Nastiness is not an issue. He was told to tone it down at both Leeds and Hull.


He first caught our eye because of how he man handled Willie Isa for 80 mins when he was playing for Trinity as an 18/19 year old. 

What does he need to take the next step in your view?

What's his issue then, fitness?


Tbh I think prop/middle is one of our lowest priority issues. Even with Hill and Byrne leaving we still have Thompson, Havard, Dupree, Mago, Ellis, Walters and McDermott and Kerr coming through.


The immediate concern should be the right edge of second row and centre if Farrell and Keighran both leave. IMO Eckersley is not a SL standard centre (yet?). A goal kicking, 80min second row or centre is a must for 2026.

I think we bulked him too quickly and he lost that bit of dynamic agility he had and also picked up a few injuries at key points of the season. 


He needs to just get games now as he’s very raw….and learn when to use his offload. 


That’s it for me. He’s developed physically. If we let him go I think he has a very good career elsewhere regardless. 

Cartwright is very good. He is probably getting as much out of Sam as we can expect as he's only been coach at Hull this year. Already he says he would like to see him sign for them. That suggests Cartwright can see what his potential is and how many years Sam has in front of him.


Writing this after the Catalans game where we have just lost two props to injury. It is a bruising position to play and injuries are unfortunately a part of it. 


FWIW I'd activate the year option and see how Sam develops here.