I've been impressed by how competitive and fit the players are so far

CARTWRIGHT DELIGHTED WITH BLACK AND WHITES' PRE-SEASON SESSIONS

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Hull FC's players after a hill session PHOTO: HULL FC

John Cartwright made no secret that Hull FC's preseason would be 'different' this time round. And different it has been.

It's been a staggered six weeks so far, with players returning at different intervals.

In total, 13 have come back into training after surgeries, including those who Hull lost to season-ending injuries in the summer and, in the case of Aidan Sezer, who have had work done in the off-season.

That reality has left Hull building up their programme, but now as they near the Christmas festive period, things are stepping up, with Cartwright, big on the fitness, connection, and competitiveness of his squad once again, impressed with what he's seen so far.

"The energy at training has been fantastic," the Hull head coach told the Mail.