Hull FC boss John Cartwright makes Tristan Sailor prediction ahead of St Helens meeting

Hull FC boss John Cartwright knows more than most about St Helens’ Tristan Sailor.

Cartwright and Sailor were together at Brisbane Broncos prior to their respective moves to Super League over the off-season, with Cartwright working as an assistant and Sailor finding himself down the pecking order. As such, the Black and Whites boss knows all about what the 27-year-old is capable of and he’s sure that Sailor will continue to play a big role for the Saints over the final months of the season.

Sailor’s start to life in Super League was up and down to say the least with the Australian struggling for form at stand-off and coming in for criticism as a result. As such, he was moved to play on the wing before Jack Welsby’s injury opened up the spot for him at full-back.

Since that switch he has managed to find consistent form with three tries and 10 assists coming in the last three games, albeit two of those contests were against struggling Salford Red Devils.

But, he seems to be thriving and Cartwright is backing him to kick on in the Red V as the business end of the season approaches.

“You’d have to be in the four walls there to know the reasons why he’d played (in a number of positions),” Cartwright said when asked about the Saints man. “Injuries I suppose is number one. Their number one full-back is out so he’s gone back there now.

“Tristan is a very good player. I think he’s had a lot of criticism this year and he might have taken a while to (settle). He hasn’t had a spot that he can call his own.

“Earlier on in the season and the last few games he’s been one of their better players. He’s a competitor, he plays tough and yeah, he’ll find his feet.”

Hull FC boss on St Helens

Of course, Cartwright will be hoping Sailor and the rest of his St Helens teammates have an off day on Saturday when they make the journey to Hull FC, who remain without a home win all season.

Asked for his thoughts on St Helens’ season so far, Cartwright added: “I’ve got to be honest, I haven’t watched real closely, you spend all your time looking at your own team.

“All I know is they’re a champion club have been for a long, long time. They’re stacked full of internationals, they’ve got great overseas imports and you know at some point, as you get closer to finals footy, they’re going to be at their best. That’s where we’re at at the moment. It’s a good challenge for us playing a side that will compete for a top four spot.”

Super League record to be equalled at Hull FC v St Helens clash