John Cartwright on Hull FC’s crucial moments, why they won them the game, Will Pryce, and a potential double injury boost.
20:58, 14 Feb 2026Updated 02:56, 15 Feb 2026
Hull FC’s Will Pryce celebrates his decisive drop-goal.(Image: SW PIX)
John Cartwright has hailed Hull FC matchwinner Will Pryce after Saturday’s 27-20 opening round victory over Bradford Bulls.
The fiery full-back set two first-half tries up for Joe Batchelor and Harvey Barron and slotted over the decisive drop goal near full-time, before Cade Cust sealed the victory with a try three minutes from time.
Pryce was also five from five from the tee in what was a dazzling attacking performance. However, it’s the defensive side of his game that Cartwright has praised most – with Pryce stepping up to produce at least two try-saving tackles in the second half after a Bradford break downfield.
Simply put, Hull don’t win the game without those tackles, and for a player who recently told Hull Live of his desire to improve his all-round displays this year, that was some first statement ahead of what is set to be a big 2026 season for both player and team.
“The most pleasing thing with Will was the tackle he made on the try line,” Cartwright, speaking to Hull Live, said after the game. “It was a try for all the money. He put his body on the line; it was a really good technique to get under it and stop the try.
“For me, that was the most pleasing thing of all. You can have all the flashy stuff but that was the most pleasing thing. There were two critical tackles, one by Pryce and one by Lewis Martin; if they (Bradford) had scored in those scenarios, it probably would have been game over. They would have gone eight points in front and they would likely have won the game.
“Those two boys made huge efforts to stop the tries, but everyone else also got back onside to fill the line in, too, which says great things about where we are with our fitness as a team. We’re really happy with where they are at. The game was on the line at that point and we had two separate guys making big statements in that area.
“If they don’t do it, then we don’t win. We look at a lot of the flashy stuff and it’s nice to have that, but if you don’t have grit and the fitness, then you don’t win.”
On Pryce’s improvement this year, Cartwright is backing the maverick to hit his straps, and in particular as the team unit improves.
“He’ll be reliant on the team – and if the team keeps improving,” Cartwright continued. “Prycey is talented and he’s got great speed and great skill, but for him to go to that next level, we have to go to the next level as a team, and I think that’s the key for Will and for everyone.”
As for the contest, it was Bradford who came out firing early on. But Hull kept going, and eventually they got their moment, even if everything wasn’t as free-flowing and comfortable as perhaps some expected.
“Everyone outside the group thought it was just turn up and win, but inwardly, we knew it wasn’t going to be the case,” Cartwright said. “There’s a lot of excitement there, and they brought a big crew across and made it a great atmosphere.
“These early season games are dangerous. We’ve seen that already this round. It doesn’t matter who you play. They’ve got some really classy players and they really tested us.”
On the injury front, Hull were without new Australian signing Jake Arthur for the clash. The half-back missed out due to a minor hamstring strain, with youngster Callum Kemp stepping in.
“Callum didn’t shirk the task and he’s still physically developing,” Cartwright said. “I love his courage. He put his body on the line and the more they kept coming at him, the more he kept turning up. I’m really happy we got a result for him.”
Meanwhile, Arthur could return to the Hull line-up at Wigan next week and will hopefully be joined by Jed Cartwright, who copped a head knock at Salford last week and missed the Bradford game.
“Jed is going through the concussion stuff,” Cartwright added. “He’s right on track to be back. He’s just got to do a little bit of team contact early next week and then he’ll be available.
“Jake Arthur is his hamstring, and it’s the least possible hamstring strain you can get. It was a little tweak in his hammy towards the end of the Salford game. It just didn’t respond and it wasn’t worth the risk. It’s only short-term so we’re really hopeful for next week.
“If it was a Grand Final tonight, he would have played. We’ll test him next week, but again, this early on in the season, we won’t risk our players.”