Hull have had a tough start to the year – and must control the controllable.
A scuffle breaks out between Leigh and Hull FC.
John Cartwright believes there is frustration in all rugby league games this year but has also challenged his Hull FC side to not get frustrated by refereeing decisions and to try and keep their cool in games.
Quicker ruck speeds in Super League have led to some inconsistencies in six agains and penalties in the opening rounds, with what is deemed ‘slow’ at the play-the-ball now down to each official’s interpretation.
It’s the same in the NRL, if not worse, with the first two rounds of the Australian competition dominated by complaints of inconsistency with indiscretions and a lack of clarity to the six again rule first brought into rugby league six years ago.
And while Cartwright – who knows Hull need to improve their own performances to gain a foothold and some momentum in games – was quick not to put down referee decisions and the like as an excuse for Hull’s defeats so far, the frustration given how fluid the interpretations can be is clear to see.
“I just don’t understand a lot of the decisions that are made,” Cartwright told Hull Live. “I think both sides of the hemisphere are coming to terms with these fast rucks.
“There’s no stop in play (with a six again) and you don’t know what they’re for or what the difference from that one to the next one is. We can try to get some clarification, but next week might be totally different again.”
Hull have given away their fair share of six agains and penalties this year, and given they’ve been on the back foot for the majority of their games so far, it’s no surprise.
With four defeats from their six games to date, Hull have looked out of sorts this season, especially compared to last year, struggling to get to grips with the new ruck speeds seen throughout Super League.
On average, the play the ball is now one second quicker, and while that second doesn’t sound like much on first glance, it has sped up the flow of matches and certainly increased the momentum for those teams able to get a roll on.
“It’s such a change in the game, and there’s frustration in all games that I’ve watched,” Cartwright said. “I don’t think it’s a bad thing what they’re trying to do with the game; I think it’s a good thing, and as we said at the start of the year, it’s just going to take players a bit of time to get a really good understanding of what’s required in the ruck, but again, clarification won’t matter, as next week might be a different way that the referee sees the game.
“I’m not looking for excuses or blaming referees, and again, what they’re trying to do is a good thing. The onus is on coaches and players to make sure our players know what they can and can’t do.
“We just can’t let ourselves get frustrated by decisions that go against us. I think that played a big part (at Leigh) and I understand their frustration, but there are no winners when you get frustrated with things you can’t control.”
Saturday’s defeat was Hull’s fourth loss in a row following wins at Salford RLFC and against Bradford Bulls to start the season. However, Cartwright, aware of the frustration from supporters, is still backing his team to come good this year.
“It’s a footy season, and there are ups and downs in a footy season no matter who you are,” he added. “It’s a rollercoaster, and it’s understanding where we are and where we can get better and making sure the dressing room stays confident.
“You’ve got to enjoy the fight of it. You can’t sit there and kick stones. I don’t enjoy being in the position we’re in but I’ll certainly enjoy the fight to come out on the other side.”