Denive Balmforth is ‘buzzing’ that his former Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has landed a new role, with the hooker set to line up against his old boss on Saturday when York Knights face Catalans Dragons.
Balmforth is on a season-long loan at York Knights but he featured plenty under John Cartwright at Hull FC in 2025 and the hooker can’t wait to face off against his former boss.
Speaking at York’s pre-match presser on Wednesday, Balmforth was asked about Cartwright, who was appointed as the head coach of Catalans until the end of the season earlier this week.
“I’m buzzing for Carty. Very well deserved. He’s a great bloke and I wish him all the best in his time at Catalans and whatever comes next,” Balmforth said before tipping a strong response from the French side after their 58-10 loss to Wakefield Trinity.
“They need a bit of a response after the performances in the last few weeks, and we’re expecting that, but so do we.”
York lost out to Castleford Tigers in a one-score game last week but at home to Catalans on Saturday night, they have the chance to get back in the win column but Balmforth is well aware it will be tough.
“They’re a big club, Catalans, and they’ve got high expectations of their performances, and they’ve got high standards.
“Obviously with John, Carty, going in as well there’s going to be a really big response. So yeah, it’ll be good.”
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York Knights man grateful for incredible mentors
Balmforth was also asked about his own contact with his parent club Hull FC, revealing: “Coaching staff not as much. It’s obviously still quite early on in the year.
“I get the occasional message from Gaz Ellis checking in on me. I speak mainly to the boys and my mates there, but yeah probably not that much.”
A running dummy-half, Balmforth also spoke about the incredible mentorship he has had at both Hull FC and York Knights, playing behind Danny Houghton and Paul McShane, respectively.
“I think I’ve been very fortunate, very lucky in the mentors that I’ve had coming through at such a young age,” Balmforth explained.
“Obviously, I had Danny at Hull, whose career speaks for itself nd the same with Macca, both Man of Steel winners.
“Two very similar characters in the way they go about the business and both quite funny. I’ve clicked with them both.”
