Hull FC still active in recruitment market but reaffirm stance on signing new players
John Cartwright has reaffirmed his stance on Hull FC's 2025 squad – saying he is 'happy' with the group that the club has assembled. The Black and Whites have brought in nine new signings for the year but do have some salary cap space still to work with.
However, while content with the way things stand ahead of the club's new Super League season, which begins over the Channel in Perpignan against Catalans Dragons on Friday night, the Aussie head coach admits he is always looking to add to the squad should the 'right' player and opportunity present themselves.
Cartwright, along with CEO Richie Myler, has previously hinted at a forward or even a '14'-type player coming in. The club has released two players this pre-season – Jordan Abdull and now Nick Staveley – and while there are no quota spots to use, there is further salary cap space to go at.
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But the 59-year-old, as experienced as they get after a 23-year coaching career in the NRL, doesn't want to 'rush in' with any further recruits. The club's last signing was prop forward Hugo Salabio, and while the door is never shut on new signings, it's very much a case of waiting for the right player and the right fit to present itself.
Speaking on recruitment, Cartwright said: "You're always actively looking for players, and you're always looking to boost your squad, improve your squad, and make it better. We do have money within our salary cap to spend, but we want to make sure we spend it on the right people and the right players and not rush out and be impatient.
"I'm happy with the squad that we have got here. I don't think we need to rush and sign every player that comes onto the market. We'll sit back and see who does come onto the market, but it's nice to know we have got some money there if the right player comes up."
As well as Salabio, Hull have signed John Asiata, Jordan Rapana, Aidan Sezer, Cade Cust, Zak Hardaker, Oliver Holmes, and Amir Bourouh for 2025, with Ed Chamberlain's loan deal becoming permanent.
Meanwhile, they have a 28-man first-team squad after Staveley's release. However, there are further players in the Elite Talent Group ready to step up, with four players – Will Kirby, Joe Ward, Lloyd Kemp, and Will Hutchinson – featuring in the Challenge Cup against York Acorn last weekend.
