Hull FC endured a 24-14 loss at the hands of St Helens in their latest Betfred Super League encounter, a result that has intensified the ongoing drama surrounding head coach John Cartwright. The Australian, who is currently in his second year at the club, used the post‑match interview to describe how the recent announcement that his contract will not be renewed has left him "a blubbering mess" and to reaffirm his intention to stay on until the season’s conclusion in October. The announcement came as a shock to Cartwright, a 60‑year‑old who was only informed last week that the club would not extend his deal beyond the current campaign.
Hull FC’s hierarchy, led by owner Andrew Thirkill, have reportedly been in talks with former England and Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara as a potential successor. While the club has not provided a detailed rationale for the decision, Cartwright said he feels "betrayed and disrespected" and that he has yet to receive a clear explanation for the non‑renewal. Despite the heavy atmosphere, the Hull faithful gave their coach a warm send‑off, chanting his name as the final whistle blew.
In his conversation with Sky Sports before the match, Cartwright admitted that he still does not know whether this game would be his last in charge. "I didn’t know I’d be in this position two weeks ago, so who knows what the future holds," he said.
He added that his primary focus remains on the players and the immediate task at hand: "We love this group of guys, we have a strong bond and we are improving. I think we have the opportunity for a fantastic year. We'll get through tonight and hope it’s business as usual after that." When pressed again after the match, the coach became visibly emotional.
"I honestly don’t know what’s next. I’ll let the dust settle. I have a couple of meetings early next week and then we’ll see," he explained.
Cartwright confirmed that he has already spoken with Thirkill since his earlier comments and expects further discussions in the coming days. When asked if he had been given any specific reasons for the club’s decision, he replied, "Not really. I've had some conversations with Andrew and we will meet again next week.
There are a few small things, but I hope to clear them up then." Cartwright arrived at Hull on a two‑year contract after the 2024 season, and his tenure has already seen a marked improvement in the team’s performance. The club’s win tally rose from three victories in 2024 to thirteen in 2025, signalling a clear upward trajectory. However, the news of his impending departure appears to have unsettled the squad. "When the players found out, I was a blubbering mess at one point," Cartwright admitted.
"It’s lucky we had two weeks to prepare for the game. Once the players knew, we had three very good sessions and there was no further talk about it on the training ground." The match itself began brightly for Hull, who entered the break with a six‑point lead thanks to an early try from Logan Moy in the 12th minute, followed by a penalty from Zak Hardaker.
Saints responded quickly, with Jake Davies slipping through the defence to level the scores. Tristan Sailor then kicked a penalty to restore parity, but Hull fought back when Sam Lisone powered over from close range and Amir Bourouh added another try after spotting a gap from dummy‑half. By halftime, Hull were ahead 14-8.
The second half saw St Helens emerge as a different side. Noah Stephens crossed for a try that brought the visitors level, and a series of penalties for high tackles kept the scoreboard ticking, leaving the teams deadlocked at 14-14. The Saints then seized the initiative: Sailor’s accurate boot found Kyle Feldt in the right corner, giving St Helens a narrow lead, and Harry Robertson soon after brushed aside Moy to seal the win for the visitors.
Hull’s defeat was compounded by the psychological strain of the contract saga. The club had taken a day off training after the announcement, a break that may have disrupted the players’ focus. Nevertheless, Cartwright praised his squad for the professionalism they displayed in the early stages of the game, noting that the team executed the game plan effectively despite the off‑field turbulence.
Looking ahead, the future of Hull FC remains uncertain. If Steve McNamara does take over, he will inherit a side that has shown significant progress under Cartwright’s guidance.
The board’s decision to replace a coach who has overseen a dramatic turnaround suggests that they are seeking a different strategic direction, perhaps aiming for a more consistent challenge at the top of the league. For Cartwright, the next few weeks will be crucial.
He has indicated that he will continue to fulfill his duties until the season ends, ensuring that the players are not distracted by the ongoing speculation. His commitment to the club, despite feeling "betrayed," underscores a professionalism that many fans have applauded. In summary, Hull’s loss to St Helens was more than just a 10‑point defeat; it was a pivotal moment in a season marked by managerial upheaval, player resilience, and a club grappling with its long‑term vision. As the Super League season progresses toward its October climax, all eyes will remain on Hull FC to see how they navigate the remainder of the campaign under an interim coach and whether they can sustain the momentum that Cartwright helped build.