Cartwright airs FC consistency take and sends firm message

A lot can change in a few weeks in sport, but John Cartwright is still taking nothing for granted. The Aussie's Hull FC side may be fancied by some to get the job done over at struggling Warrington Wolves on Saturday evening, but for the Black and Whites boss, you write the Wire off at your peril.

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Recalling Warrington's heroic Challenge Cup final effort against Hull KR, Cartwright knows what they are capable of and what they can do if you're not on your game. And it’s being on their game that counts most for Hull, with the same messages and instructions circulated around the team.

For Wire, it’s almost do or die, with Sam Burgess’ side languishing in eighth spot in the Super League, and sections of the Wire fan base beginning to turn on their coach, something that brings its own message from Cartwright, who has been there, done that, and got the T-shirt after more than 20 years in the coaching game and who has no doubt that Burgess will bounce back.

"He's been through a lot, has Sam, as a player and as a coach," Cartwright, speaking to Hull Live, said.

"He did a lot of time under Wayne Bennett at Souths, and he'll know it's about consistency, but if you coach for long enough, you're going to have the highs and the lows, and sometimes we're a bit too quick to judge.

"Two weeks ago, he was a couple of minutes away from winning the Challenge Cup final against all the odds.

"He'll know what his team is capable of and what he needs to do to get them there. Sam always took a lot of pride in his performance as a player, and he’s no different as a coach.