2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Daniel Tomlinson)
John Cartwright has backed Hull FC's supporters to give his side the 'shot of energy' they will need to defeat Hull KR at the MKM Stadium this Friday afternoon. The two sides clash in the 248th Hull derby for the traditional Easter fixture, with a place at the top of the Super League table up for grabs. And with 20,000-plus tickets sold, 16,000 or so of which will be wearing Black and White, Cartwright has called on that support to help his side home.
"Our crowds have been really vocal wherever we've played," the head coach told Hull Live. "I know we'll hear our fans; you hear them an hour before kickoff until half an hour after the game. They provide a great atmosphere.
"At Warrington, they made as much noise as the home team. We're fortunate that we've been winning, and the boys are really giving them something to cheer about. But they've played their part as well – it's really enjoyable now to go to away games, look up, and see the black and white army at the end of the field.
The players really acknowledge that support as well. "When you need a lift, your crowd can give you a lift. When there's a big play from a player, the crowd gets behind them, and you can see a response.
It's an extra shot of energy, and they've provided that for us all year. When you're playing against really good sides, the crowd can help, but it's up to the 13 boys on the field to get the job done." Preparing his side the best he can, Cartwright is expecting a more composed performance from Hull, who are looking to claw back the derby bragging rights after their Challenge Cup defeat earlier this month.
Raising the standard in training, they've done all they can, with the goal now to back up a solid week on the training field where it matters most and continue what has been an impressive start to the season. "They've worked really hard to get to this point, and they continue to work really hard," Cartwright said. "There's no magic wand; it's just continuing to turn up, making sure you don't overlook the little things.
"It's all about the little things – leaving every day at training knowing that you've ticked every box and then turning up the next day at 7am and keeping doing what you do until you leave again. It's making sure we don't get ahead of ourselves, do the right thing, and stay humble. "But they're a tight-knit unit, and they all play their part.
There's a really good camaraderie among the whole group. It's good to see, and it's good to sit back and watch. "It's a hidden piece of the puzzle just how tight your group are.
You can't describe it, but you certainly know when it's there, and you know when it's not there." And as for the clash, with the side going in as underdogs again, Cartwright added: "We don't have to prove anything to anyone. We've got to the point where we are at the moment, but it's only early.
"We're just focusing on what we're doing and not worrying too much about what the outside world thinks. You can't control that in any walk of life; you can only control what you do. That will be our focus, both now and for the rest of the season.
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