STARS NEED TO BE JACK OF ALL TRADES

HARDAKER SETS FINE EXAMPLE OF WHAT'S NEEDED AT HULL FC, SAYS CARTWRIGHT

- By DAN TOMLINSON

JOHN Cartwright has challenged his Hull FC players to keep on adapting to different situations this season and has used Zak Hardaker as a prime example.

The 33-year-old was brought to the club as one of several new signings ahead of the season with the view of playing in the centre spot. But injuries have forced a rethink, with Hardaker playing the last half a dozen or so games in the back row.

In fact, he even stepped into the half-back position alongside Aidan Sezer to get Hull home against Leigh after injuries to John Asiata and Cade Cust.

It's that sort of adaptability Cartwright wants to see from his side, with Hull negotiating the first game of the season without Asiata, who is ruled out with a hamstring injury against Catalans today.