FC react to calls to change amid Rapana criticism and key return

JOHN Cartwright is backing Jordan Rapana to find his form at Hull FC once again.

- By DAN TOMLINSON

The player, through his own account, had an indifferent performance at Warrington Wolves last week, with his head coach confident he can now come out of the other side.

Cartwright has also taken some responsibility for Rapana’s performances having moved the player from fullback to centre and at stages, the wing, with a lack of continuity doing him no favours. But ultimately, the backing is there to improve and silence any creeping doubters that have come in.

The Hull head coach has confirmed he will also make a selection change ahead of Saturday's game against St Helens, with Jed Cartwright’s expected long-awaited return meaning a change will come in the edge positions.

But the FC boss is also cautious to not overreact with wholesale changes, not basing his decisions off emotion and the like.

Speaking to Hull Live, Cartwright said: “If you play the game long enough, you're going to get criticised, but you can’t listen to criticism.

“It’s coming from, I imagine, a group of social media people. Jordan didn’t play well last week - Jordan knows that, I know that, and the players know that, but the fact is he is a champion player, and you never write off a champion.

“I back him to get stuff sorted and return to the form I know he can have. He’s definitely hurting.