John Cartwright expects Hull FC’s battle to finish inside a Super League play-off position this season to go ‘all the way’ – but insists there is ‘no science’ behind fixing up the key issues in order to get there.
The Black and Whites were left to rue another error-strewn performance in defeat at Warrington Wolves on Saturday evening. The effort and fight were there as Hull absorbed a lot of pressure on their goal line, but ultimately a sloppy account in possession was their undoing.
Therefore, the fix-ups ahead of Saturday’s home return to the MKM Stadium and challenge of St Helens are clear, with Hull, still sitting sixth on the table, set for another big battle against a top-six rival, with Cartwright declaring that his players need to show more than effort if they want to make their ambitions a reality come the end of this year.
Speaking post-match, Cartwright said: “There is no science to it. We completed really well at Salford. The Castleford game was, ball retention-wise, our worst game of the year, and I think this one (Warrington) was worse.
“They (the players) try hard, they work really hard, and they never give up, but that doesn’t win you games. If you want to be a side that plays in the finals, you need more than that. You just can’t win when you give the opposition so many free shots at you.”
On the Saints clash and top-six race, Cartwright continued: “It’s going to be a fight all the way – a battle – but you’ve got to enjoy it. You put yourselves into a position to play finals, which is where we’re at now, and you’ve got to enjoy the battle. Next week at home is just another one of those battles.”
Hull are currently without the likes of Will Pryce and John Asiata (both hamstring), with Jed Cartwright (hamstring), Jordan Lane (arm), Ligi Sao (knee), and Liam Watts (knee) also absent due to injury.
Asked if any returns are likely for the Saints clash, with Cartwright and Lane thought to be back soon and Asiata and Pryce to be tested on their rehab progress, the head coach hasn’t ruled out any possibilities.
He added: “It’s a bit early yet. We’ll let the dust settle and give everyone every possible chance. There’s still a long way to go in the competition – we won’t be risking anyone.”