Hull FC travel to face Wigan Warriors on Saturday night without two of their round one starters and a host of other injury issues.
We’ve looked at how John Cartwright could navigate those issues with the injury room already far busier than the Hull FC coach would like.
There is one boost for the Black and Whites this week and that’s the fact Jed Cartwright returns from his mandatory stand-down period after failing a HIA in the Challenge Cup against Salford.
However, the Black and Whites lost two of their round one starters with Ligi Sao banned for two matches and Zak Hardaker suffering a leg injury. They’re also still without Jake Arthur who remains out with a hamstring injury.
Overseas forwards John Asiata, James Bell and Herman Ese’ese all remain out as well with the Black and Whites already down on troops for such a crucial game.
This match is the only one that pits two round one winners against each other and we’ve predicted how Hull FC could line up as they look to make it two wins from two.
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Predicted Hull FC side to face Wigan Warriors
Full-back: Will Pryce
Pryce broke Bradford hearts last week and he’ll hope to do the same against Wigan on Saturday night. With Logan Moy called into the squad, there’s a slim chance that Pryce could shift to six but he’s most suited to remain at one.
Wingers: Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin
No change on the wing with last year’s top try scorer Lewis Martin and last week’s try scorer Harvey Barron.
Centres: Arthur Romano and Davy Litten
With Zak Hardaker dropping out, there’s a chance for off-season signing Arthur Romano, who actually started last week in the second-row which shows his defensive capabilities.
Halves: Cade Cust and Aidan Sezer
Despite Romano’s defensive strengths on the right edge, John Cartwright might not want to expose young Callum Kemp to the likes of Jai Field and Bevan French. As such, former Wigan man Cade Cust could partner Aidan Sezer.
Hooker: Amir Bourouh
With Cust moved to the halves, it may well be a long stint for another former Wigan man Amir Bourouh, though that’s something he’s proven himself capable of previously.
Props: Harvie Hill and Liam Knight
The former Wigan players continue with Harvie Hill set to start alongside Liam Knight in an unchanged prop pairing.
Second-row: Joe Batchelor and Jed Cartwright
Jed Cartwright returns to the starting XIII in place of Arthur Romano, who shifts to centre. Last week’s standout Joe Batchelor will start alongside him.
Loose forward: Yusuf Aydin
Aydin is the stand-in at loose forward whilst John Asiata is out and he’ll need to get through plenty of defensive work this week.
Interchanges: Callum Kemp, Sam Lisone, Connor Bailey, Brad Fash
John Cartwright will likely want some form of utility on the bench and Callum Kemp is likely the best option for that. Sam Lisone will lead the charge from the bench alongside veteran Brad Fash and possible debutant Connor Bailey.
Hull FC 21-man squad: 1. Will Pryce, 2. Harvey Barron, 3. Davy Litten, 5. Lewis Martin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 9. Amir Bourouh, 10. Harvie Hill, 11. Joe Batchelor, 12. Jed Cartwright, 14. Cade Cust, 16. Sam Lisone, 17. Liam Knight, 19. Tom Briscoe, 20. Yusuf Aydin, 21. Arthur Romano, 22. Connor Bailey, 23. Brad Fash, 24. Logan Moy, 25. Matty Laidlaw, 27. Callum Kemp, 32. Lloyd Kemp
John Cartwright has named his 21-man squad ahead of Saturday’s Betfred Super League Round 2 clash against @WiganWarriorsRL 📋
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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) February 19, 2026
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