The challenge of handing Hull KR their first defeat of the 2025 season is a formidable one. That’s message from Hull FC boss John Cartwright as he prepares for his first Hull derby experience in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup this Saturday.
The Black and Whites have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign under Cartwright with the club second in the Super League table and eyeing a spot in the Cup semi-finals after knocking out holders Wigan Warriors last month. Willie Peters’ Hull KR occupy top spot in Super League, though, and at this point they have won all eight of the competitive games they have played.
That includes Challenge Cup victories over York Knights and Oldham, with the latter coming right in the middle of a fearsome run of results, recording three shut outs in their five games, and over the same period they have notched up 182 points.
It’s no surprise to hear Cartwright calling the east Hull outfit the best in Super League then as he faces up to the task at hand this weekend.
“They just seem to get better every week,” Cartwright said when asked for his Hull KR assessment. “They’ve got a really tough, hard exterior, they’ve had three or four years together, you can see that and they’ve played in big games, Grand Finals, Challenge Cup finals.
“They’ve backed up last year with being undefeated this year. They’re the best team in the comp at the moment. In the last few weeks they’ve hit real form, they’ve had one try scored against them and they’ve scored plenty themselves. It’s a daunting challenge.”
As if Saturday’s Cup game wasn’t big enough, the tie will see Cartwright pitched against a former roommate in Peters. The pair worked together as assistant coaches for the 2017 season at NRL club Manly Sea Eagles and remain good friends.
“I know Willie well, we’re good mates,” Cartwright smiled. “He used to be my roommate.
“It’s funny where this game leads you. From over on the northern beaches of New South Wales to both ending up in Hull together.
“It’s funny, you never say never to anything in rugby league. Anything can happen.”
Of course, Saturday’s clash will be the first of two Hull derbies this month with the annual Good Friday clash set to be played at the MKM Stadium in a fortnight’s time. The Black and Whites also have games against Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors to play in April in what can only be described as a month from hell.
As such, by the start of May, Cartwright will know an awful lot more about his group of Hull FC players.
“It doesn’t get any harder than that,” he said. “We knew we had Warrington and Wigan but throw these boys in again this Saturday… In a month’s time we’ll take stock and see where we are.
“Win, lose or draw it will be great for them, it’s hard footy and that’s where you learn.”
The lower bowl of the MKM Stadium is 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 ahead of tomorrow’s Betfred Super League Quarter-Final at the MKM Stadium 🚨
West Stand Upper tickets remain available in store and online until 4.00pm today – a reminder that no tickets will be available on match day ⏰
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) April 4, 2025
