![\"Hull](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1_rio-kassim.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDouble injury return, ruck verdict, and a big win for the reserves – the latest Hull FC notebook.<\/p>\n
05:00, 16 Feb 2026Updated 11:46, 16 Feb 2026<\/p>\n
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Hull FC academy player Rio Kassim has been training with the first team this year.(Image: Hull FC)<\/p>\n
Hull FC got their Super League and reserve grade seasons up and running over the weekend, with some members of the squad also set to meet NRL opposition in training this week. Elsewhere, the club are hoping for two returns ahead of Saturday’s game at Wigan, while there is reaction to the Challenge Cup draw and more. Here is the latest notebook.<\/p>\n
Double injury return<\/p>\n
Hull could see two players return to their side for Saturday\u2019s game at Wigan: Jake Arthur and Jed Cartwright. Arthur missed the Bradford opener with a hamstring issue. However, Cartwright confirmed post-match that it\u2019s a minor injury and the player could have been pushed against the Bulls if desired. He will be within a chance of featuring at Wigan now, hoping to aid Hull\u2019s spine dynamics and provide another kicking outlet alongside Aidan Sezer.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe’s got a really cool head, he’s got a really good kicking game, and he’s a strong defender,\u201d Cartwright said on Arthur. \u201cHis running game, too \u2013 he takes the line on and I think that will keep improving the longer he is here.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe kicking game is massive. We were really looking for a right-footed kicker who can play number six outside of Aidan. We were fortunate to get him. It doesn’t matter where we land on the field now. Last year, we were probably more focused on landing on the right side for Aidan to kick. Now we can be anywhere, so long as we’re not on the sideline \u2013 we’ve got the kicks covered.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cartwright too is expected to make his return should he pass his final return-to-play protocols following a head knock. Hull were also missing Herman Ese’ese, John Asiata, and James Bell against the Bulls, with a late Cade Cust try sealing a 27-20 win.<\/p>\n
John Cartwright\u2019s play-the-ball take<\/p>\n
Hull’s head coach is hoping the referees \u2018find a good balance\u2019 with the new play-the-ball interpretations and quicker rucks proving to be a big talking point after the opening round. Some coaches are all for them, while some have asked for clarity on what constitutes a penalty now amid some frustrating stoppages and massive swings in momentum.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s new to everyone and it’s hard to get consistency when you don’t know what’s quick and what’s too quick,\u201d Cartwright said. \u201cHopefully, they find a good balance. It’s the same for both sides; that’s all I will say, but sometimes you think that penalties and six agains will speed the game up. Well, penalties actually slow the game down.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully, we can just find that balance. Yes, we want to see a fast, exciting, and open game, but constant penalties slow the game down. They’re on the right track and I believe in having a way more attractive game, but it might just take some time.\u201c<\/p>\n
Brisbane Broncos session<\/p>\n