John Cartwright has praised the character of Hull FC half-back Jack Charles – especially after a big week of speculation that has seen Hull KR make a move for the player.
The 19-year-old played his part in Saturday’s 32-12 victory at Wigan Warriors, kicking six goals and remaining cool and composed with his involvements. He was the perfect foil for Aidan Sezer and also chipped in with some long-range kicks and neat passages of play in what was arguably a season-best win for the club so far this year.
And for Cartwright, who has worked with the player through two pre-season injuries before selecting him back into the team this year, that performance wasn’t a surprise. The head coach told Hull Live: “He’s a pro. He’s a student of the game. And he’s got a really good squad around him.
“Everyone understands the game of rugby league, and things don’t always go your way, but that’s just the game. He’s handled himself really well, and he’s doing a good job. Aidan runs the show, and he’s got Aidan around him, Zak (Hardaker) around him, and a big pack of forwards, so he’s cashing in on the moment.”
And on the speculation, which has seen Hull KR make a move for the player, who is contracted at Hull for the 2026 season, Cartwright said nothing has changed.
“No,” was his exact one-word reply when promoted, with Rovers and Hull needing to come to a financial agreement if the player is to move at the end of the season.
But right now, he’s a Hull player, with Cartwright adding on his goal-kicking: “There was some pressure on the kicks, especially towards the end. It’s a big thing, with not long to go, to go from 18 to 20 in front. That’s another try, so as a coach, you see those things; if you can go up in sixes, it helps. Goal kicking is critical, and he hit them really well.”