To say Hull FC half-back Jack Charles has faced his fair share of adversity over the last year would be a more than fair assessment. However, rather than mope around, the teenager has used the tough times to make himself better both mentally and physically.
And now he’s got his reward, with the perseverance paying off and two injury setbacks firmly behind him after a welcome, and winning, return to the first team as Hull defeated Salford 38-6 on Sunday afternoon.
But if you think a first Super League appearance of the season brings any satisfaction to Charles, who selflessly took the onus for Hull’s poor form last year, then think again. The half, who has another season to go on his current deal, is targeting a long-term role at the club and learning off Hull’s current maestro, Aidan Sezer.
Speaking after Hull’s win on Sunday, the 19-year-old said: “It felt pretty good, especially after what happened last year, and just to be on a winning side. It’s been a new challenge for me; it’s not something I’ve had to deal with before (being injured), but I like to think I’ve overcome it and learnt a lot about how I need to train moving forward, how to get my body right for training, and just mentally as well.”
On last year, Charles, a firm believer in whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, continued: “You’ve got to go through tough times in anything, whether in life or in sport. I took the losses personally – if we lost, I always took it personally and looked to improve.
“But I learnt a lot mentally, having to get up mentally each and every week after big defeats, but at the end of the day, I’m the half-back, and I’ve got to be the calm one on the field and steer the team around. I definitely learnt a lot, but I’m just glad we’re starting to see a bit of sunshine now, and hopefully we’re on the up. I just want to keep pushing the guys ahead of me and look to learn from the likes of Sezer and Custy.
“Sezer has been really good with me on the field and off the field; I can always go to him. He tells me little points on the field, kicking extras, and hopefully one day I can take over him.
“I just want to try and play as much as possible now, but when I do play, I try to contribute and win games. I don’t just want to be here to make up the numbers – I want to push myself and get in the team.”
Out with hamstring and ankle injuries, Charles first returned for Hull’s reserves side, but in between games, with the second-string team playing on a biweekly format, he has sought playing time at dual registration partners Doncaster. That has seen the teenager team up with a club legend in Richard Horne – a partnership he is grateful for.
“He’s a Hull legend, and I like to think I’ve learnt a bit off him,” Charles said on Horne and the Championship outfit. “It was a different experience again, just trying to get consistent rugby. It’s been frustrating at this stage with reserves playing every other week. I’m just trying to get as many minutes as I can.”
And as for the future, Charles is now looking up. Individually, a long-term contract is the goal, but as for this season, it’s the top six and nothing less. “We’re not in it to lose or to not contend,” he added. “We’re in it to win. That’s what we’re all here for.”