Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has hailed one key improvement in his side over the last few weeks: discipline. Rising again after a tough period, the Black and Whites were in danger of slipping into last year’s habits, with cards handed out regularly and unwanted penalties and six agains given away.
However, they have all dried up over the last three games – allowing Hull to build more composed performances centred off completion and competing. That has seen them pick up two big wins on the road, first at Leigh with Cartwright’s side running out 26-12 winners, and then at Catalans, with Hull demolishing the French side 34-0.
Speaking to Hull Live in Perpignan after Saturday’s win, Cartwright also highlighted his players’ talk with referees, with no complaining about decisions, and instead a disciplined account leading the way.
“I thought discipline-wise, there were no silly penalties,” Cartwright said. “We were really consistent in that area – the way they’re treating the referee and the way their discipline is when something goes against them. That’s something that you can control, and they’re doing a really good job at that.
“It was never going to be a pretty game – it’s hard to describe to anyone the effect that heat can have – it makes the ball slippery, and it just drains you. Both sides, I thought, fought really hard. We got fortunate – it was a great individual effort from Will Pryce right at half-time, which probably took the wind out of their sails a little bit.”
The result in Perpignan moved Hull back up to fifth spot in the Super League table, with Castleford Tigers and Salford Red Devils up next later this month. Well-poised, the side are benefitting from the changes made last year, from new signings, coaching, ownership and the like.
But for Cartwright, there’s one key factor driving Hull on: ambition. They aren’t content just to have an improved account from 2024, which saw Hull finish in eleventh spot with just three wins to their name – one of the club’s worst ever seasons.
“There are a million things,” Cartwright added when asked what the catalysts for change were. “Recruitment was a big one, new ownership coming in has been a massive one, and new staff too. The thing I’m most pleased about is that no one’s comfortable about where we are now. They went through a hell of a lot last year, but there is a desire every day to get better and better.”