John Cartwright believes Sam Eseh is getting better every week at Hull FC and is backing the young prop to keep kicking on this year.
The on-loan Wigan Warriors front-rower reduced his best display to date for the Black and Whites at Leeds on Friday night. He scored one try but also stepped up with some big carries elsewhere and an efficient defensive workload.
In total, Eseh ran for 59 metres off eight carries and made 20 tackles, missing just one. He made four tackle busts.
Into his second loan spell at the club following a four-game cameo last year, Eseh – who signed a season-long loan deal with Hull – has been growing and growing this season, with his influence more and more notable.
After being sin-binned at Magic Weekend a fortnight ago, Eseh played big minutes at Headingley and looked every bit the Super League player, with the 21-year-old out of contract at the end of the season at parent club Wigan – albeit the current champions have a one-year extension option in their favour.
Speaking on Eseh post-match, Cartwright said: “I honestly thought he was a bit unlucky (with the sin bin) – I know people who watch the game comment around his tackle.
“I played the game for a long time, and I’ve been coaching it for a long time. There’s a fine line between something on purpose and something that is unfortunate. I thought Sam was unfortunate on the day.
“He’s been really good for us. He’s been getting better every week. He got probably the most gametime he’s had since he’s been with us, and I thought he was really good for us.”
Eseh will look to go again for Hull on Thursday night. The Black and Whites have a short turnaround before facing Leigh Leopards, with Cartwright outlining the club’s plans post-Headingley as they look to end a four-game losing run.
“It’s the same as normal for us now,” the head coach added. “The first two days will be about rest and review, and then we’ll get a session in on Monday, the captain’s run on Wednesday, and then off to Leigh.”