John Cartwright on Hull FC expectations, Bradford’s threat, and a huge MKM Stadium crowd.
Hull FC are ready for a big 2026.
There are no easy games in Super League, and Hull FC know it better than most. That’s a reality John Cartwright aired all the way through last season, and the head coach is not about to change his tune.
Beginning their Super League campaign this Saturday evening, Hull take on promoted outfit Bradford Bulls at the MKM Stadium – and they’re ready for a battle.
Tipped for victory by bookies and pundits alike, Hull’s first challenge this year is to thrive when they are the favourite – and especially up against an opponent looking to defy that tag.
“I suppose they sit a little bit where we sat last year in that no-one expects a lot from them,” Cartwright said. “That would be a major concern if we as a club and a team thought anything other than them coming here and being super competitive and being hard to beat.
“They’re very strong on paper. They’re as strong as anyone. They’re stacked with NRL experience and Super League experience. It’s going to be a tough game.
“It’s their first year back in the Super League and they’ve got so much to play for. There’s going to be a massive crowd and a big occasion, so the last thing we can do is take them for anything less than fierce competitors.”
Hull need no further warnings of what this competition can do after York Knights’ thrilling victory over Hull KR on Thursday night. If anything, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being on their game no matter who they face.
“We want to see what we’ve practised in the off-season and see it when there are actually two points up for grabs,” Cartwright continued. “We want to show our fans where we are, where we sit, and what playing in front of them means.
“It won’t be easy; games early on in the season are always tough, and there are a lot of reasons for Bradford to come here and perform. We know we’ve got to be at our very best.
“I’m really excited. Pre-season can be really long and arduous, but things have picked up at training now with the start being so close, and players can sense that there are positions on the line.
“Everybody wants to be a part of the squad that plays round one. It’s a good thing to have, but we also know that it’s a long, long year, and you need a lot of players ready when they get the call to play.”
As for Hull’s own expectations this year, the goal is to raise the bar again after last season’s seventh-place finish, with a play-off finish the target. To do that, Cartwright believes his players are in a better place, both mentally and physically.
“It’s hard to get a gauge on training, but I know both in the gym and on the field their results are better,” he said. “Physically, they are faster, fitter and stronger, and they are getting sharper skill-wise and speed-wise, which is what pre-season is all about.
“It’s a different year and we’re in a totally different space now mentally going into games. There was no expectation for us last year; we flew straight under the radar, and teams are now going to prepare better.
“We know expectations are there. You can feel it. I can feel it. You talk to fans and they want to see us win no matter what, and so do we.
“People manage expectations differently. Some attack it head on and some try to play it down. Behind closed doors, we’ve addressed things and we know as a group what we’re aiming for. Those types of things are team-driven and will stay within the team.”
And as for the crowd, with Hull set for a 16,000 attendance at least, Cartwright added: “They make a lot of noise anyway, so to have more of them in the ground, it’s only going to add to the show.
“It’s good for the game, and it’s fantastic to say that we’re close to selling out that lower bowl, and by game time, let’s hope that it is a sell-out and a great occasion for everyone.
“It’s up to us now. We’ve got them through the gate and it’s up to the players to go out there and make them want to come back for York in two weeks’ time. We can’t ask for anymore from our fans. They go above and beyond every week and have done for the last 12 months. It’s our turn now to repay that.”