I have never looked forward to a season so much, says Cartwright

HULL STAR WANTS TO REPAY HIS CLUB AND ITS FANS FOR THEIR PATIENCE

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Hull FC's Jed Cartwright scores a try against Leigh

(MIKE EGERTON/PA WIRE)

They say it's always darkest before the dawn. The saying couldn't be more apt for Hull FC back rower Jed Cartwright.

The 29-year-old was restricted to just 11 of Hull's 30 games in 2025.

Hamstring issues kept him sidelined for over five months, and then just six games into his comeback, he ruptured his pec and was out for the rest of the season.

But now there's light at the end of the tunnel once again, with the Australian pumped up and attacking the new year with one thing on his mind: payback.

In fact, for Cartwright, this is arguably the biggest year of his career to date - and his goals are simple: play well, earn a new deal, and continue a stay at a club where he's found a home away from home.

To do that, the player knows it's about staying fit and in form - and he'll leave no stone unturned. But above all else, he wants to pay back a club that has stuck by and supported him through some of his darkest times. In a nutshell, 2026 is all about earning his keep.

"I've probably never looked forward to a season as much, especially after last year and some of the big injuries I got," Cartwright, speaking to the Mail, said. "I just want to pay the club back now for the faith they showed in me and I want to pay the fans back for all the patience they've shown in me since I got here.