Hull FC boss John Cartwright has given his verdict after Sunday’s pre-season defeat to Wigan Warriors, where they were beaten 22-18.
The Black and Whites couldn’t come up with the result despite Lewis Martin scoring a hat-trick, though getting the win in pre-season means very little, and it’s the minutes in the legs that is most important.
Cartwright, who gave game time to a number of his new signings, commented on the game, and stated that the first half in particular was where he learnt the most lessons.
Speaking on the club website, he said: “I thought it was a good occasion. We got a lot out of it.
“In the first half, I thought we overplayed the middles a bit. We got them out there for a bit longer than they normally play, but they did a really good job.
“I thought we had the better of the territory for most of that first half. We still had to defend our try line a lot. We were on the end of a few penalties and six agains, and we had to scramble. At the end of the day, that’s what you want to see from your side.”
Analysing some of his spine players, he added: “I also thought Jake Arthur’s kicking game was really strong. The signs for us from Jake were really good. I thought Will Pryce had moments, too, and Amir Bourouh had moments. I was really happy with the way that we went.”
Hull FC boss delighted for overseas man after returning from lengthy injury
One man who made his long-awaited return is Ligi Sao, who ruptured his patella tendon in the early rounds of 2025, ruling him out for the entire campaign.
The former Samoan international started the game in the front row, and carried well, to the delight of his boss.
“I’m really happy for him more than anything,” Cartwright said on Sao. “It’s a lonely place, rehab, and he’s been in there for 12 months. He looked really sharp and he got better as the game went on.
“He’s had twelve months to freshen the body up. He’s worked hard on his injury but all of those little niggles you pick up after twelve months off – fingers crossed, it’s a bit of a blessing for him.
Commenting on his other middles, he added: “We’ve really strengthened [in the pack]– we recruited for a purpose.
“They tend to get injuries more than anyone else because of where they play on the field. Without Liam Knight, Herman Ese’ese, John Asiata, and James Bell – four key middles on the sideline – I still thought our middles, right across the board, did a good job.
“There’s a lot of depth for us in that position at the moment. It’s competition that brings the best out of everyone. It’s going to be difficult for us coaches to come up with a side when everyone is healthy but that’s how you win big games.”
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