Hull FC schedule laid out for Super League opener as Catalans sweat on Sam Tomkins injury
John Cartwright has laid out Hull FC's plans leading up to their Super League opener at Catalans Dragons on Friday night. The Black and Whites will make the first of two trips to Perpignan this year, taking on the French side at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Flying out on Thursday, the squad will stay over in France for two nights, heading back to the U.K. on Saturday. In the meantime, Hull are in recovery following Saturday's 52-6 Challenge Cup win over York Acorn.
They return to training on Tuesday, with two solid days of training before they fly out over the Channel, with Hull opting for the same travel plans as seen in both of last season's trips compared to a long day trip in 2023.
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"We’ve got it mapped out," Cartwright said after Saturday's Cup win. "We'll give them a couple of days off. Sunday and Monday they will be in recovery. We will get them in on Tuesday and Wednesday and then on Thursday we’ll travel and get ready for the game on Friday."
As for Catalans, Cartwright believes their tough 14-0 victory over Championship outfit Halifax Pnathers, with the scoreline 0-0 at the break, will set the French side up for the Super League opener, prepping the Dragons better than what a hefty scoreline would have done.
"It was probably a good hit out for them," he added. "It sounded like a tight game. That can be a good build up for their first game. I’m sure their happy to keep their try line intact and come up with a couple of late tries."
Meanwhile, Catalans will be sweating on the fitness of Sam Tomkins. The 35-year-old full-back came out of retierement against Hull FC last July and has signed a one-year deal for 2025. However, he limped off the field at the Shay just before half-time and didn't return for the second half.
"It's disappointing for Sam today," Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNmaara said. "He picked a hamstring injury up right at the end of the first half."
