John Cartwright remained coy on the prospect of bringing off-contract son Jed Cartwright to Catalans Dragons for 2027, but admits he is looking forward to seeing the back-rower continue his comeback from injury.
Former Penrith Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights forward Jed has been limited to just five appearances for Hull FC this season after recently returning in Round 14’s 36-12 victory over Huddersfield Giants. He had spent three and a half months on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring in February.
The 29-year-old has been named in Hull’s extended squad to face Wigan Warriors this weekend, despite failing to finish last week’s match against Wakefield Trinity because of tightness.
Jed is set to leave Hull FC at the end of the season following a difficult start to his Super League career. He managed just 11 appearances in his debut campaign in 2025 after suffering a ruptured pectoral muscle, which ended his season just six games into his comeback from long-term hamstring problems.
Father John, meanwhile, left the MKM Stadium outfit earlier this season, with Steve McNamara set to take charge of the Black and Whites from 2027. Cartwright later joined Catalans Dragons on a deal until the end of the current campaign.
The Australian has dropped his strongest hint yet that he could remain in the south of France beyond 2026, although nothing has been finalised between the club and coach. He was also asked about the prospect of signing his son for 2027.
Catalans have already secured the signings of Jesse Arthars and Tyson Gamble from Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights respectively for next season, with both players having previously worked under Cartwright in Australia.
“That’s one I’ll take a back seat to,” John replied when asked about son Jed. “I did at Hull [with recruitment], and I’d do the same here.
“Jed’s back on the field now, he’s had a couple of games back. He’s on again tomorrow, and I look forward to watching him.”
The Cartwright family also enjoyed a reunion ahead of Catalans’ clash with Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday, with Jed, John’s daughter and his granddaughter making the trip.
John said: “It was lovely. It’s been six weeks away from her [granddaughter], and my daughter was here as well. I’d not seen her for nearly 12 months. It was really nice.”