John Cartwright has suggested that Hull FC will only release Jack Charles on their own terms amid suggestions the player is already a done deal at Hull KR.
As exclusively revealed by Hull Live on Monday, Rovers have made a play to sign the 19-year-old on a long-term deal despite the half-back having a year remaining on his contract at Hull. The two clubs are in negotiations regarding a transfer fee for the player, a fee that could be as much as six figures, but talk that a deal has been agreed is wide of the mark.
In fact, Cartwright has even suggested that the Black and Whites are still speaking to the player themselves with regard to extending his deal at the MKM Stadium, even if the expectation is that Rovers will complete a deal for the teenager.
“Jack is contracted to us for next year,” Cartwright said in his weekly press conference. “There are negotiations around extending that. That’s where we sit at the moment – he’s contracted for next year.”
Asked if there has been any communication from Hull KR to the club and the player, Cartwright added: “They’ve really got to wait until December 1 for anything to happen there.”
Meanwhile, Charles has played 20 times for Hull and is expected to line up for the Black and Whites once again at Wigan Warriors this Saturday afternoon. He was part of their comeback win over Wakefield Trinity last Thursday and has made three first-team appearances this year after recovering from two pre-season injuries.