Hull FC endured a 24-14 loss to St Helens in their latest Betfred Super League encounter, a result that left outgoing head coach John Cartwright visibly shaken but still determined to stay on until the season’s end. The 60‑year‑old Australian, who has been serving a two‑year contract that began after the 2024 campaign, revealed that the club’s recent decision to look for a replacement has left him feeling like "a blubbering mess".
Despite the disappointment, Cartwright told Sky Sports that he intends to see the campaign through to its conclusion in October, even though the club announced last week that his contract will not be renewed. The announcement caught Cartwright off guard.
Hull FC confirmed they will not extend his deal beyond the current season and, according to widespread reports, are already in talks with former England and Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara to take over the reins. In response, Cartwright said he felt "betrayed and disrespected" by the way the decision was handled, noting that he still has not been given a clear, detailed explanation for the non‑renewal.
He added that he has had several conversations with club owner Andrew Thirkill and expects further meetings next week to clarify the situation. Even with the looming uncertainty, the Hull faithful gave Cartwright a warm reception at the Kingston Park ground. Supporters cheered him as the team fell behind, chanting his name in the final minutes of the match.
The coach admitted that the news of his impending exit has been difficult for the players as well, describing their reactions as leaving him "a blubbering mess". He explained that after the squad learned of the possible change, they focused on the training ground, completing three solid sessions without letting the off‑field drama affect their preparation. Cartwright’s comments before the game reflected a mix of optimism and realism.
He said, "I didn’t know I’d be in this position two weeks ago, so who knows what the future holds. I love the group of guys here, we have a strong bond and I think we’re improving.
We have the opportunity to have a fantastic year." He added that he hopes the team can treat the loss as "business as usual" and move forward without further disruption. When asked if the St Helens match would be his final appearance as head coach, Cartwright replied, "Not at the moment, not as I stand here." He emphasized that the season is still in its early stages and that he wants to give the squad every chance to finish strong.
After the defeat, he remained emotionally honest, saying, "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 find out." On the field, Hull started brightly, taking a six‑point lead into halftime thanks to an early try from Logan Moy and a penalty conversion by Zak Hardaker. The visitors, however, regrouped after the break. St Helens, buoyed by a recent run of form that included a dominant Challenge Cup win over Catalans Dragons, applied relentless pressure.
Tries from Kyle Feldt and Harry Robertson in the second half sealed the win for the Saints, who had previously built momentum with a dramatic Good Friday victory over Wigan. Hull’s performance, while ultimately falling short, showed signs of progress.
Under Cartwright’s guidance, the team’s win tally rose from three in 2023 to thirteen in 2025, indicating a clear upward trajectory. The coach praised his players for their resilience, noting that after the halftime break they continued to execute the game plan despite the emotional backdrop.
The match also highlighted the broader context of Hull’s season. Two weeks earlier, they suffered a sluggish derby loss to Hull KR, a defeat that added pressure on Cartwright’s staff. Yet, the team managed to bounce back with a spirited start against St Helens, demonstrating the depth of character that Cartwright believes will serve them well for the remainder of the campaign. Looking ahead, Cartwright remains focused on the immediate tasks.
He expects more dialogue with owner Andrew Thirkill and hopes to clarify the “few little things” that have been left ambiguous regarding his contract situation. While the future may involve a new head coach, possibly Steve McNamara, Cartwright’s priority is to keep the squad united and motivated until the season’s conclusion. In summary, Hull FC’s defeat to St Helens was a bittersweet moment for John Cartwright. The loss on the scoreboard was compounded by the emotional weight of a pending departure, yet the coach’s resolve to stay the course, his gratitude toward the supporters, and his belief in the squad’s potential all underscore a professional navigating a challenging transition.
The club’s next steps will be closely watched, especially as the Super League season pushes toward its climax in October, and as Hull seeks to build on the improvements made under Cartwright’s tenure while preparing for a new chapter under a fresh managerial appointment.