Simon Grix is tipping Hull FC back rower Jed Cartwright to play a 'strong part' in tuning Hull FC's fortunes around next year. Arriving at the Black and Whites from NRL club Newcastle Knights three months ago, Cartwright played his fifth game for Hull last Saturday, with the Penrith-born forward now backed to hit the ground running in his first full season with the club in 2025.

Producing some intense displays, Cartwright showed the MKM Stadium crowd what he's all about on his home debut against Catalans Dragons in Hull's final game of the year, albeit in defeat. The 27-year-old threw himself about and came up with some huge hits in defence amid a strong workload.

That intensity didn't surprise Grix, who believes Cartwright will go on to be a cornerstone of the Hull team, particularly when his dad, John, arrives as the club's new head coach later this autumn. Basing his game on effort and hard work alike, the former Panthers junior fits the bill for what Hull are looking for as they aim to rebuild and reset as a competitive side once again in 2025.

Speaking to Hull Live after Saturday's game, Grix said: "Having watched Jed five times now, I'd say there's not a lot of difference between his best and his worst. He's an effort man. He's a big body who can make some dents. He's got a bit of skill as well; the pass around the back—if that had come off to Harvey (Barron), that would have looked pretty nice as well.

"He's a good bloke to have around the place. He knows what good looks like having been in good environments. It probably shocked him, where we're at as a club, but I think he'll play a strong part in turning it all around."

As well as the Knights, Cartwright has also played at South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL, working under Sam Burgess before the latter's move to Warrington Wolves. And now with a taste of Super League under his belt, Grix is anticipating the forward to get some continuity into his game next year after a disrupted start to his Hull career, including a foot injury, failed HIA, and one-match suspension.

"He's been very unfortuante in his career thus far with injuries," Grix added. "At 27, he's probably not played the number of games that he would have liked, but at some point he'll get the opportunity to knock a cluster together. Hopefully, over the next couple of years, we get that with Jed."

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