Hull FC's Pre-Season Clash: A Deep Dive into Performance and Potential!
It's that exciting time of year when rugby league teams shake off the off-season rust and gear up for the competitive action. Hull FC recently faced off against the Wigan Warriors in their final pre-season friendly, and Head Coach John Cartwright has shared his thoughts on the performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of Jake Arthur and Ligi Sao. The team might have ended up on the losing side, with a 22-18 scoreline, but Cartwright insists the game provided a wealth of valuable insights.
The Verdict on the Wigan Match: More Than Just a Scoreline
While the scoreboard read a defeat for Hull FC, the match was a closely contested affair, with both teams scoring four tries each. Lewis Martin was the standout performer for Hull, bagging an impressive hat-trick, and Davy Litten added another late on. However, the real takeaway for Cartwright wasn't just the tries scored, but the overall effort and the valuable game time for his squad.
"I thought it was a good occasion to start with," Cartwright shared exclusively with Hull Live. "The crowd made plenty of noise, and Liam Marshall scored his try, but for us, I thought we got a lot out of it."
He elaborated that in the first half, the team might have overplayed the middle forwards a bit, giving them more game time than usual. Yet, he praised their performance, noting that Hull FC held the better of the territory for much of that initial period. Despite facing defensive pressure and a few penalties, the team's ability to "scramble" and defend their try line was a key positive.
New Signings and Key Players: A Glimpse into the Future
The pre-season game also served as a crucial opportunity to integrate new signings and assess the fitness of returning players. Newcomers Jake Arthur and Joe Batchelor made their first club appearances, and Cartwright was particularly impressed with Arthur's contribution.
"I also thought Jake Arthur's kicking game was really strong," Cartwright noted. "A right-footed kicker is a bonus, but he got our game on as well and he defended really strong on Junior Nsemba. The signs for us from Jake were really good."
He also mentioned positive moments from Will Pryce and Amir Bourouh, expressing overall satisfaction with the team's effort.
Ligi Sao's Triumphant Return and the Strength of the Forward Pack
One of the most significant stories from the match was the return of Ligi Sao, who played his first game in 12 months after recovering from a serious knee injury. Cartwright expressed immense happiness for Sao, understanding the isolation of a long rehabilitation period.
"I'm really happy for him more than anything," Cartwright stated. "It's a lonely place, rehab, and he's been in there for 12 months. He looked really sharp and he got better as the game went on."
He believes the extended break has allowed Sao to not only recover but also to "freshen the body up," potentially benefiting him in the long run. The coach also highlighted the depth and strength of the forward pack, even with several key players like Liam Knight, Herman Ese'ese, John Asiata, and James Bell sidelined.
"Middle-wise, we've really strengthened - we recruited for a purpose," he explained. "They tend to get injuries more than anyone else because of where they play on the field. Without [those key players], I still thought our middles, right across the board, did a good job."
This depth, Cartwright believes, will foster healthy competition and ultimately contribute to winning big games. But here's where it gets controversial... With so much talent in the middle, how will coaches decide on the starting lineup when everyone is fit? It's a good problem to have, but a challenge nonetheless!
Lewis Martin's Electric Pace and the Future Stars
Cartwright also lauded Lewis Martin's speed, noting his ability to cover ground quickly over short distances, a trait that has drawn comparisons to his heroics in last year's Challenge Cup. "He's just got that pace over ten metres that not many players have."
Looking ahead, the coach emphasized the importance of developing young talent. He fielded several promising youngsters, including the Kemp twins, Callum and Lloyd, along with Will Kirby, Will Hutchinson, and Elliot Middlemas. Despite some players being slightly out of position due to squad changes, Cartwright stressed the invaluable experience gained by competing against a more seasoned opposition.
No Major Concerns: A Clean Bill of Health
Encouragingly, Hull FC emerged from the pre-season clash at Wigan without any significant injuries. While Will Pryce took a knock in the first half, he has since recovered. "Everyone is fine. They've all come through okay," Cartwright confirmed.
With a quick turnaround to their opening cup game against Salford RLFC on Friday night, the team is focused and ready to take it seriously. And this is the part most people miss... While the focus is on the Salford game, the lessons learned and the performances in this Wigan friendly will undoubtedly shape the team's trajectory for the entire season. Cartwright's positive outlook and the team's strong showing suggest an exciting season ahead for Hull FC fans!
What are your thoughts on Hull FC's pre-season performance? Do you agree with Cartwright's assessment of Jake Arthur and Ligi Sao? Share your opinions in the comments below!
