Also added to that spine are Jordan Abdull, Amir Bourouh, and Hull’s first marquee addition, John Asiata. It’s easy to play down Asiata, as he signed way back in May, but what a signing he is. He will transform the way Hull attack, and give an out-and-out ball threat in the middle of the park. That’s something that this side hasn’t had in recent seasons.
With Abdull partnering Sezer, Bourouh playing at hooker, and Cust sitting on the bench—depending on form, strategy, and other factors—Hull could be winning if Cartwright can bring out the best in both Sapana, the team’s new full-back, and Sezer, his half. There appears to be a problem there because Hull sorely needs Rapana’s driving standards, cultural aspects, and being the ultimate rival. Sezer, on the other hand, adds organization and expertise to the table. He is a player who is familiar with Super League competition and, more significantly, he was a teammate of Rapana’s at the Canberra Raiders.
Of course, it would be naïve to say Hull’s recruitment is perfect or that this was the initial plan, with well-known moves made for both Lachlan Lam and Tristan Sailor, but it is recruitment that certainty, at least for the two newest additions, has a familiar feel, with Rapana and Sezer speaking highly of Cartwright—something that wets the appetite for next year with certain traits and foundations to be laid.
Rapana has described Cartwright as the ‘perfect bloke to lead transition’ while being massive on ‘culture, hard work and winning at all costs.’ He also said the coach installed so much ‘confidence’ in him as a young player, with the Kiwi also adding that he’s a ‘man of his word.’ Sezer meanwhile, didn’t shy away from Cartwright being the deciding factor to join Hull, with the ‘utmost respect’ given to the Aussie.
If Cartwright can instil that sort of belief and confidence into the rest of the squad, who have to buy-in to everything he and his new backroom team does, then Hull will rise again next year, with experienced players like Zak Hardaker, Ed Chamberlain, and Oliver Holmes brought in to aid up-and-coming young talent. That’s the balance Hull have gone down, with over 30 signings made to give Hull some much-needed seniority, with those younger challenged to learn, develop, and then evolve in the positions.
They are all players that will hopefully give Hull the desired qualities in terms of grit, determination, leadership, professionalism, culture, and co. They are the qualities all desired by Cartwright, who will arrive in the UK this autumn needing both trust and time as he looks to galvanise the side and move forward.
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