Hull suffer defeat to Saints as Cartwright calls himself a "blubbering mess"

Hull FC endured a 24-14 loss to St Helens in their latest Betfred Super League encounter, but the post‑match atmosphere was anything but hostile for outgoing coach John Cartwright. Despite the club’s recent announcement that his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season, Cartwright told Sky Sports that he intends to stay on until the campaign concludes in October. He described the club’s decision as a "betrayal and disrespect" and admitted that learning of his impending exit has left him "a blubbering mess". The 60‑year‑old Australian was visibly emotional on the sidelines, yet the Hull faithful gave him a warm reception, chanting his name as the final whistle blew.

Cartwright, who took charge on a two‑year deal at the start of 2024, has overseen a dramatic turnaround in the club’s fortunes. After a solitary win in 2023, Hull recorded 13 victories in 2025, signalling a clear improvement under his guidance.

However, the board’s decision to replace him – with former England and Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara widely reported as the preferred successor – appears to have caught Cartwright off guard. When asked whether the St Helens match would be his last, Cartwright replied, "Not at the moment, not as I stand here. I didn’t know I’d be in this position two weeks ago, so who knows what the future holds." He went on to praise the squad’s camaraderie, saying, "I love the group of guys here. We have a really good bond and I think we’re improving.

I believe we have the opportunity to have a fantastic year. We'll get through tonight and hopefully it’s just business as usual after that." After the game, the coach admitted that he still does not have a clear explanation for the non‑renewal. "I’ve had some conversations with owner Andrew Thirkill, and we’ll meet again next week.

There have been a few little things, but I hope to clear that up then," he said. He added that he has a couple of meetings early next week and will "let the dust settle" before making any further statements about his future.

The match itself saw Hull start strongly, taking a six‑point lead into halftime thanks to an early try from Logan Moy and a penalty kick by Zak Hardaker. The Saints, however, rallied after the break. A try from Kyle Feldt and a late score by Harry Robertson turned the tide, handing St Helens a two‑point victory.

Hull’s players appeared unsettled after the news of Cartwright’s impending departure, taking a short break from training to process the information. Nevertheless, they delivered a disciplined performance in the first half, with three solid sessions in the lead‑up to the game and no visible signs of distraction on the field.

The broader context of the fixture was also noteworthy. St Helens arrived in East Yorkshire buoyed by a recent Challenge Cup win over Catalans Dragons and a dramatic Good Friday triumph against Wigan.

Hull, meanwhile, were still recovering from a lacklustre derby defeat to Hull KR two weeks earlier. Despite the emotional backdrop, Cartwright expressed pride in his players’ work ethic, especially the early dominance that saw Moy open the scoring in the 12th minute. Key moments of the match included Hardaker’s successful penalty attempts, which gave Hull a six‑point cushion, and a series of penalties for high tackles that kept the scoreline tight at 14‑14 heading into the final minutes.

Saints’ Noah Stephens broke the deadlock with a try, and Tristan Sailor’s accurate kicking kept the pressure on Hull’s defence. In the closing stages, Feldt’s try in the right corner and Robertson’s finish from a dummy‑half break sealed the win for St Helens. Looking ahead, Cartwright remains focused on the remaining fixtures. He reiterated his commitment to the squad, emphasizing that the team must treat the upcoming games as "business as usual" despite the off‑field turbulence.

He also hinted that further discussions with the club’s hierarchy are imminent, suggesting that the final decision on his tenure may be clarified in the coming weeks. Hull’s supporters, while disappointed with the result, showed their appreciation for Cartwright’s contributions over the past two seasons. The chant of his name in the stadium underscored the respect he commands among the fanbase, even as the club prepares for a potential managerial change. The upcoming weeks will determine whether Cartwright will finish the season as head coach or step aside earlier, but his emotional honesty and dedication to the players have left a lasting impression on both the squad and the supporters.

Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match this season, offering live coverage of two games each round and additional fixtures throughout the week, ensuring fans can follow Hull’s journey and the unfolding saga surrounding their coach’s future.