'Got a player' Jed Cartwright prediction made after encouraging Hull FC debut

Simon Grix believes Hull FC have 'got a player' in Jed Cartwright with the Australian tipped to get even better as he familiarises himself with his Black and White teammates and the Super League competition.

Cartwright made his first-team debut away at Leigh Leopards last Sunday, and while the result was far from ideal, the 27-year-old put himself about and had his moments. He worked hard defensively, offering Hull some size, experience, and leadership on the right edge.

And while content with what he produced in a 70-minute showing, Grix is suggesting more will come from the back-rower, who arrived in the UK in June and has now overcome a foot injury picked up while playing in the reserves.

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"He’s looked good in our training sessions," Grix told Hull Live. "His debut wasn’t his best game, and it wasn’t the end product of what we’ll see from Jed after such a long time out, but to get through 70 odd minutes was good.

"We saved him from himself and got him off as he shattered, but he was still willing and still turning up. I thought he showed some real good qualities in a team that was on the back foot for large parts. That was definitely a positive. Once the game time and the familiarity catch up with what you’d expect from him, I think we’ve got a player there."

Cartwright wasn't the only positive for Hull, with Grix also singling out Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin for their displays. The interim coach is pleased with the effort of the side's youth, with a lot of young players getting a shot, but also applying what's been instructed by the coaching staff and attempting to put it into practice.

That, in Grix's view, will bode well for them in the future, with Hull looking to take every small win they can between now and the end of the season, with London Broncos at the Magic Weekend up next.

"The young wingers were really good and carried the ball well," Grix added. "I mentioned it after Harvey's try; Josh Charnley is as good as a defender as you'll see in Super Leauge on the wing, and he's strong as well, so the ability to get rid of him and get the ball down was really good to see.

"The listening as well, with the young lads, they don't know it all and they haven't got it all under their belts, so they will mess up now and again, but they are trying to do what we're asking, which is a pleasing thing. I keep saying it, but this will do them the world of good moving forward."

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