Star reveals what Hull FC have banned as John Cartwright looks to bond new-look squad

Hull FC man Jed Cartwright has opened up about the standards held by his father since becoming head coach of the club.

The second-rower joined the club midway through the 2024 campaign, signing from Newcastle Knights, and is contracted through 2025.

He played five games for the Black and Whites last season, losing all five – but popped up with a try from the second row against Wigan Warriors.

Now, with his dad coming in as head coach for his first pre-season, it will surely be an interesting situation for him.

Speaking on working with John Cartwright and assistant Andy Last, he told club media: “It’s been really good. It’s the first time that I’ve worked with both of them so it’s been good.

“Everyone knows what we’re trying to achieve this year and what we’re trying to achieve with our football so everyone is clear in their roles and that’s allowed us to hit the ground running.”

Star reveals what Hull FC have banned as John Cartwright looks to gel new-look squad

It’s clear that the new head coach, who hasn’t held such a position for over 10 years, has high standards, and his son continued: “We spoke about standards on day one that we want to be seen as and held to as a team.

“They’re getting implemented now and it’s good to see that every player is living by it.”

He went on to reveal an interesting tactic used by the coach – a phone ban, saying: “It’s quite a different squad to last year so I really like the phone ban. Leave your phone in the sheds so it forces you when you’re eating breakfast, lunch or dinner to have a conversation and a laugh and you really develop strong bonds.

“We spend a lot of time together so it’s good to have those bonds and they make the days a lot more enjoyable and a lot quicker.”

The squad has been added to significantly ahead of next year, and Jed Cartwright said: “I’m really excited about what we can do for 2025.

“Aidan (Sezer) was on the field for the first time today and so was John (Asiata) and you can just tell they’re on the field. They bring a nice calming presence.

“Everyone knows what they’re doing around them and it’s been really good to have them on the field.”

Jordan Rapana has recently arrived in the country and will likely take to the field in the coming days and weeks as Hull FC look to right the wrongs of 2024 with a solid pre-season.