Hull FC talent reveals how John Cartwright is driving standards after lowly 2024

One Hull FC player has outlined how new head coach John Cartwright is driving standards at the club ahead of the 2025 season.

It’s a new era for the club with wholesale changes in the off-season, namely the new ownership under Andrew Thirkill and David Hood, as well as the start of John Cartwright’s reign as head coach.

Cartwright was signed to a three-year contract after the sacking of Tony Smith and the Australian takes over after the club’s worst-ever season in terms of win percentage.

The Black and Whites won just three games all year but ironically one of those came against champions Wigan Warriors. Looking to 2025 and the aspirations are far higher, particularly given that ten players have been signed to the club.

One of the few players who impressed in 2024 was Denive Balmforth with the young hooker making 15 Super League appearances and he’s now spoken on what pre-season under Cartwright has been like.

Balmforth explained: “A lot of what he’s looking at is attitude-based and he’s keeping an eye on everybody’s effort areas.

“He’s running us into the ground but it’s all for a good purpose and we’re all starting to feel really fit.”

Hull FC signing helping to drive young star to new levels

Balmforth, who turned 21 in early October, played a very direct style with his runs from dummy half often helping to get Hull FC on the front foot. After having had fitness and effort areas hammered in, he’s expecting the skills to develop further in the New Year.

He explained: “A bit more of the footy stuff is coming into pre-season now, especially with some of our plays and our approach to playing.

“Definitely after Christmas, we’ll be looking to come back in and get that footy side of pre-season down to a tee before the season starts.”

That will be seen in the pre-season friendlies that the Black and Whites have with the club slated to face Castleford Tigers in Joe Westerman’s testimonial game.

Balmforth will have that game as a chance to fight for a start after FC signed young hooker Amir Bourouh in the off-season, something that has helped drive competition.

“You slack off for a moment or two and you get found out,” Balmforth explained.

“But I was able to learn a lot from Mint [Danny Houghton]. He’s probably taught me everything I know about playing nine and I couldn’t have asked for a better role model to have by my side.

“With Amir [Bourouh] coming into the club, it’s going to be a good bit of competition. That’s a good thing because you get the best out of everyone that way.”