John Cartwright admits the manner of Hull FC’s defeat to Leeds Rhinos earlier in the season still sticks in his teeth.
The Black and Whites turned in one of their most encouraging performances of the season at the time against the Rhinos, stifling Leeds’ threats and taking their chances when they were presented them to take a 16-10 lead into the final 15 minutes of the game.
But, that’s when Leeds came to life with Riley Lumb pulling four points back before a trademark Ryan Hall effort in the 78th minute of the contest broke the hearts of those from East Yorkshire.
Hull have played a lot of rugby since then and Cartwright has dismissed the notion of revenge, but as they gear up to host the Rhinos at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, the FC boss admits he still thinks about that defeat at Headingley.
“It does a little bit,” Cartwright said when asked whether the defeat at Leeds still stung. “We did everything we possibly could to win that game. They played out of their skin in a pretty tough environment.
“It’s one I sit and think about as one that got away from us. We had done enough to win; we had them pinned in their corner, we set up a real winnable game, and it snuck through our fingers.
“It’s done and dusted now, but revenge and that sort of stuff doesn’t work in footy. We have to realise the opportunity in front of us, turn up on Saturday, and throw everything we’ve got at it.”
He added: “The belief in the group, especially from our senior players, is we’re not fussed on who we play. If we get our stuff right and play at a consistent level, we do believe we can beat anyone.
“It’s great as a coach to sit back and watch them talk like that, but it’s not just talk – they’ve gone out and proved that. They’ve been competitive in all games and had some big wins against some of the better sides. They know they can do it, but it’s a tough game to keep turning up and turning up, but if you want to be the best, that’s what you have to do.”
Hull FC boss on Jake Connor
Of course, the meeting between the two sides ensures Hull will be going up against one of their former players in Jake Connor once more. Connor has more than found his feet under Brad Arthur and with just four more regular season games to go, he is the favourite to win the Super League Man of Steel award.
Hull fans know how good Connor can be on his day but stopping him is a different matter.
“We’ve previewed Leeds and they’ve got a very strong team right across the park,” Cartwright said when asked about Connor. “He gets the mentions because he touches the ball a lot, but they’re a dangerous side – they’re very fast and they’ve got a lot of pace.
“They’ve got a good set of halves, they’ve got it all covered, and they’re playing with confidence.”
