Hull FC face a huge Super League game at Warrington Wolves this weekend. Elsewhere, there was a win for the scholars on Wednesday night, with an interesting figure at first-team training earlier in the week. Here is the latest notebook.
Big stakes
It’s a big, big game for Hull FC at Warrington Wolves on Saturday, with two points doing wonders for their play-off bid. A win would push John Cartwright’s side seven points clear of the Wire, and while Hull’s boss, cool as a cucumber when addressing the matter, isn’t interested in table talk, there’s no denying the gap that would open up on a top-six rival in what looks like a four-team race for the final two spots (presuming Leigh and Leeds don’t slip up this summer).
To get that victory, Hull know what they must do: complete, stay disciplined, and complete again and again and again. Eventually, Warrington will fatigue and crack. That’s footy—and that’s the cycle Hull know they have to get consistently into, playing when the opportunities arise, taking them, and most importantly, restricting what they give to the opposition. To their credit, they got into that cycle pretty smoothly in the second half at Salford. They smothered the Red Devils with a strong kick and chase and played the game in their desired areas of the field. It’s a simple game when you put it like that, but it requires patience, composure, and discipline. Hull have shown they have it in their locker. Now it’s time to reproduce it again. A huge game awaits.
Training observer
It was interesting to note Dean Muir at Hull FC training on Wednesday. The Hunslet head coach naturally has an interest in Hull, given three players—Will Kirby, Ryan Westerman, and Joe Ward—are all on loan there, with the two parties getting acquainted with one another.
“Dean asked to come along,” Cartwright said when asked at his weekly press conference. “There’s a bit of a link with the club—we’ve got three young boys on loan there. He wanted to come along and pick something up. We’ve got a relationship there now, and it was nice to meet the coach.
“We’re pretty open to that sort of thing. We’ve had a few guys come in from different clubs who want to spend time around a professional environment. Hopefully, we can help out when we can.”
Zak Hardaker’s squad message
They say availability is a rugby league player’s greatest strength, so there’s no wonder Zak Haraker comes up trumps. The Hull FC star has shown a willingness to step up and fill the void this year. Signed to play centre, Hardaker has stepped up to the back row position, a role he has had for nine games now. For Cartwright, it’s an essential tool for any player, with the ability to make yourself available in a plethora of positions key to longevity, selectability, and the like.
“It’s a great message for everyone in the playing roster, and that’s how it should be,” Cartwright said on Hardaker’s current role, form, and attitude. “You shouldn’t limit yourself to playing in one role or on the left side of the field or the right side. If a coach asks you where you want to play, and you say left back row, you’ve only got one opportunity to play. If you say, ‘I’ll play anywhere,’ it opens up a lot of doors.”
On Hardaker playing the role long-term, Cartwright added: “I don’t think anything is permanent in rugby league unless you’re a front-rower—it would be hard to move Zak over there. It’s horses for courses; he’s doing a great job for us in the back row, but he was also doing a great job in the centres for us earlier in the year. It will be when everyone’s available—what’s best for the team, I suppose.”
Youth continues to shine
Making several new signings ahead of the 2025 season, Hull FC were never going to field a predominantly young team as they did for much of last year. However, despite new faces, more seniority, and more victories, youth has continued to get its chance at the club—and no more so than the two wingers, Lewis Martin and Harvey Barron—not to mention rising centre Davy Litten. The trio continue to shine in the first team, with Cartwright content with their progress.
“They’re very early on in their development,” he said. “The biggest thing for those guys will be mentally being switched on for the whole time. They’re young boys, and they’re enjoying life and their football. They really are willing to learn, so they’ve got all that covered. They need time in the jumper, time on the field, and time to really work hard on the mental side of the game, but their potential is enormous. It’s just experience and time that will make those boys better.”
Games and tries for Hull FC to date
Lewis Martin—Games 44, Tries 29
Harvey Barron—Games 32, Tries 17
Davy Litten—Games 37, Tries 8
Scholarship win
And as for the youth, Hull FC’s scholarship side defeated Leigh Leopards at the University of Hull on Wednesday night. The young Black and Whites ran out 36-14 winners, with James Tann and Lewis Ells-Fontana each scoring a try brace. Elsewhere, Dylan King, Ashdon Owst, and Bobby Hewitt all crossed over during the win.