Cartwright is ‘hopeful’ a deal can be sorted.
John Cartwright is hopeful a swap deal between Amir Bourouh and Solomona Faataape can be finalised.
John Cartwright has confirmed his interest in Hull FC hooker Amir Bourouh – with the ex-Black and Whites coach keen to cement a reunion with his former player at Catalans Dragons.
Cartwright even admitted that conversation has been made with Bourouh, who is still contracted at Hull for the 2027 season – and is ‘hopeful’ the two clubs can come to an arrangement.
As reported this week, FC are open to a deal, but they want Catalans centre Solomona Faataape in return, a player Andy Last confirmed to Hull Live that the club was interested in signing last year.
Speaking after Catalans’ defeat at St Helens on Friday night, Cartwright said: “I’ve been in contact with Amir. I like what he brings.
“We need some hard-edged players who, when games get tough, come into the game. So, guys like Amir are certainly the type of guys that appeal to me.”
However, it seems Cartwright has some convincing to do at the Catalans’ end if a deal is to be agreed.
“I don’t think at this stage,” he replied when asked if Catalans are open to losing Faataape. “It’s not a really straightforward swap.
“A hooker in for a centre – it’s tough to replace. Solomona’s had a good year here this year. So, yeah, it’s something that’s ongoing. Hopefully we can sort it out. Yeah, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Meanwhile, Cartwright also confirmed he will remain at Catalans beyond the end of the 2026 season, with a new deal agreed.
“We’ve had some really good discussions and I’m sort of committed for the next couple of years,” Cartwright said. “There will be some sort of announcement, I imagine, over the next coming days – unless they saw what happened today and changed their mind.”