Hull FC endured a 24-14 loss to St Helens in the Betfred Super League, but the match took on an added layer of drama after head coach John Cartwright publicly voiced his frustration over the club's decision to part ways with him at the end of the season. In the days leading up to the game, Hull announced that Cartwright's contract would not be renewed, a move that appeared to catch the 60‑year‑old Australian by surprise and left him describing himself as a "blubbering mess" when asked about the players' reaction to the news. Cartwright, who arrived at the Kingston upon Hull club on a two‑year deal after the 2024 campaign, has overseen a remarkable turnaround in the team's fortunes.
In 2024 Hull managed just three wins, but under his guidance the side recorded 13 victories in 2025, signalling a clear improvement in performance and consistency. Despite this progress, the board opted to look elsewhere, with rumours circulating that former England and Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara is the preferred successor. On Monday, before the Saints fixture, Cartwright told Sky Sports that he still had not received a concrete explanation for the non‑renewal of his contract. He said he felt "betrayed and disrespected" but also expressed a desire to see the season through to its conclusion in October.
"I didn't know I'd be in this position two weeks ago," he said, "so who knows what will happen in the future. I love the group of guys here, we have a great bond and I think we can still have a fantastic year." During the match, Hull supporters gave their coach a warm reception despite the defeat, chanting his name in the latter stages. After the final whistle, an emotional Cartwright admitted he still did not know what lay ahead.
"I'll let the dust settle," he said, "I have a couple of meetings early next week and then we'll find out." Cartwright also mentioned that he had spoken with Hull owner Andrew Thirkill since his earlier comments and expected further discussions. When pressed about the specific reasons for the club's decision, he replied, "Not really, no. I've had some conversations with Andrew, and we will meet again next week. At this stage there are a few little things, but hopefully I can clear that up next week." On the field, Hull started brightly.
Logan Moy opened the scoring in the 12th minute, giving the home side an early lead. Zak Hardaker then added two successful kicks, extending the advantage. However, St Helens responded quickly, with Jake Davies slipping through the defense to level the scores.
Tristan Sailor's penalty kick brought the visitors back level, but Hull fought back as Sam Lisone powered close to the line and Amir Bourouh exploited a gap from dummy half to score. At halftime Hull held a six‑point lead, but the second half saw Saints surge.
Noah Stephens broke through to tie the game, and a series of penalties for high tackles left the score at 14‑14. Saints then took control when Sailor delivered a precise kick to Kyle Feldt, who crossed in the right corner, putting the visitors ahead.
Harry Robertson later shrugged off Moy to add another try, sealing a 24‑14 victory for St Helens. The loss was compounded by the emotional toll of the coaching saga. After learning of Cartwright's impending exit, the squad reportedly took a day off from training to process the news, a disruption that likely affected their focus. Nevertheless, Cartwright praised his players for maintaining professionalism, noting that after the initial shock they completed three solid training sessions without discussing the situation.
Hull's recent form had been mixed. Two weeks earlier they suffered a sluggish derby defeat to Hull KR, and the Saints match offered a chance to rebound. While the team showed promise in the opening stages, the second‑half turnaround highlighted lingering defensive frailties and a need for greater composure under pressure.
Looking ahead, the club faces a period of transition. If Steve McNamara does indeed take over, he will inherit a side that has shown significant improvement but still requires tactical refinement. Cartwright's departure also raises questions about player morale and continuity, especially as the season progresses toward its climax in October.
For fans, the key takeaway is that despite the off‑field drama, Hull FC remains competitive and capable of challenging top teams. The coaching change may bring fresh ideas, but the foundation built by Cartwright—evident in the increased win tally and the strong bond among the players—should not be overlooked.
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League fixture live this season, with two matches per round shown exclusively and the remaining five aired each week on the channel. The upcoming weeks promise more high‑stakes encounters as Hull strives to finish the campaign on a positive note, regardless of who is on the sidelines directing the team.