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Hull FC boss gives squad update with main concern noted

Hull FC John Cartwright

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has assessed the first three months of pre-season and the state that his squad is in just a few weeks out from the start of Super League.

It’s been a long time since Cartwright was appointed to Hull FC with the Australian announced midway through the 2024 season, before ultimately joining the squad in the off-season.

The Black and Whites have still yet to play a game under the ex-Brisbane Broncos assistant with Joe Westerman’s testimonial to serve as their first and only pre-season game, before they head into Challenge Cup and then Super League action.

Cartwright has assessed his first three months in charge, confirming that a number of players were feeling the effects of his tough pre-season ahead of Christmas – something he revealed on the club’s YouTube channel.

He explained: “It’s been nigh on three months since I’ve been here and it’s gone pretty quick to be honest which is normally a sign you’re enjoying it and having fun but it’s also been pretty tough and taken a toll on the players leading up to Christmas.

“It was a good time to have a break, they’re freshened up and we’ve nearly got everyone back in training so we’re looking forward to the friendly against Cas. You can finally get a bit of an idea of where you’re at.”

Cartwright assesses Hull FC squad fitness

However, the Australian did highlight one main concern with the squad’s health being mentioned, as well as the fact there are so many new combinations on account of the number of new recruits at the club.

“We’re mainly concerned with health at the opponent,” Cartwright revealed.

“There are new combinations all over the park. Until you get that full level of contact and intensity, you don’t really know where you sit.

“We’ve had a lot of different options at training because of some injuries and players coming in late but we’re confident in what we have.

“The main thing I’m concerned about now is getting to the starting line with a full and healthy squad.”

When spe.aking in more detail on the injuries, Cartwright did not name any of the concerned players aside from Davy Litten who is a long-term injury anyway

“We’re probably only got a couple that aren’t training full time with us,” he explained.

“There are a few where we’re being a bit more cautious than we were earlier on in the pre-season but come the Castleford game I pretty much expect most of the squad outside of Davy Litten, who is a long-term (injury), to be available.”‘

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