Hull FC stance revealed as John Cartwright issues latest on Sam Eseh future hopes

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has reiterated his desire to see Sam Eseh stay at the club beyond the end of the season.

Eseh is halfway through a season long loan at the MKM Stadium having joined the club from Wigan Warriors for a second time back in February. Since then he has made 10 appearances for the club, with his form improving week on week.

After scoring his first try for the club at Leeds Rhinos in May, he has since scored in wins over Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils, with the latter coming during a sparkling performance last Sunday,

As such, his future beyond the end of the season has been something of a talking point particularly for those fans of a black and white persuasion who have taken to the prop. The forward is contracted until the end of next year at Wigan, though, meaning Hull would have to pay a fee to sign him permanently if they cannot negotiate Eseh’s release.

And, for that reason Cartwright admits the situation is out of his hands despite how much he would like to see him join permanently.

“He’s comfortable in his environment and he has the confidence of his coaches and his players and it’s coming out in him,” Cartwright said on the forward. “He’s enjoying his time here and that’s sort of an ongoing thing at the moment.

“We’ve stated that we’d love to keep him here but it’s probably out of our hands.”

Asked if there was an update regarding his situation, Cartwright said: “No.”

He added: “Just enjoy each week as it comes and he’s loving his time here, you can see in the way that he plays, the fans love him and the coaches and fans really enjoy him being here but it’s out of our hands.”

Hull FC boss rules out immediate incomings

Hull have seen Oliver Holmes leave the club in recent weeks with the back-rower being forced to retire due to a knee injury he picked up in pre-season training with the club.

The Black and Whites have just over one more month to replace him, should they wish, before the transfer deadline, but Cartwright admits any more incoming business is not on the cards at present.

“Not at the moment, no,” Cartwright said when asked if there were plans to use the salary cap space Holmes’ exit freed up. “The cap space is not major. There’s not a lot on the horizon immediately.”