Hull FC endured a 24-14 loss to St Helens in the Betfred Super League, a result that was compounded by the turmoil surrounding head coach John Cartwright. The Australian, 60, had learned only a week earlier that his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season, a decision that left him feeling "betrayed and disrespected" and, in his own words, a "blubbering mess".
Despite the disappointment, the Hull faithful gave Cartwright a warm send‑off, chanting his name as the final whistle blew. Cartwright, who arrived at the club on a two‑year deal after the 2024 campaign, had overseen a remarkable turnaround in performance. Hull's win tally rose from three victories in 2024 to thirteen in 2025, signalling a clear improvement under his guidance.
Yet, the club announced last week that it would look elsewhere for the next head coach, with former England and Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara widely reported as the preferred successor. The announcement seemed to catch Cartwright off guard, prompting an emotional press conference before the Saints match. Speaking to Sky Sports before kickoff, Cartwright said he still did not understand the precise reasons behind the decision not to extend his contract.
He stressed his desire to stay on until the season’s conclusion in October, noting that the campaign was still in its early stages. "I didn't know I'd be in this position two weeks ago," he admitted, "so who knows what will happen in the future.
I love the group of guys here, we have a strong bond and I think we can still have a fantastic year." When asked whether the St Helens game would be his final appearance at the helm, Cartwright replied, "Not at the moment, not as I stand here." He added that he would let the situation settle before making any definitive statements, mentioning a series of meetings scheduled for early next week with Hull owner Andrew Thirkill. "I've had some conversations with Andrew and we will meet again next week," he said, "but at this stage there are a few little things, and hopefully I can clear that up next week." The emotional weight of the news was evident in the dressing room.
Cartwright described his players' reactions as leaving him a "blubbering mess" as well, but he praised their professionalism. "Once the players knew, we had three really good sessions and there was no talk of it on the training ground," he explained. The team entered the match with a six‑point lead at halftime, thanks to an early try from Logan Moy and a penalty from Zak Hardaker, but the second half saw Saints surge back.
St Helens, buoyed by a recent Challenge Cup victory over Catalans Dragons and a dramatic Good Friday win against Wigan, came out with renewed intensity. After a tightly contested first half, they narrowed the gap with a try from Jake Davies and a penalty from Tristan Sailor, leaving the scores level at 14‑14.
In the closing minutes, Saints capitalised on a defensive lapse, with Kyle Feldt crossing in the right corner and Harry Robertson adding a late try to seal the win. The defeat was a bitter pill for Hull, especially after a lacklustre derby loss to Hull KR two weeks earlier. Nevertheless, Cartwright expressed pride in how his side responded to adversity.
He highlighted the early‑stage discipline and the way the players stuck to the game plan, even as the club’s future direction hung in the balance. Looking ahead, the uncertainty surrounding the coaching role remains. Rumours continue to link Steve McNamara with the vacancy, but no official confirmation has been made. Cartwright indicated that further discussions with the ownership would take place next week, and he will decide whether to stay on until the season's end or step aside sooner.
"I honestly don't know," he said, "I'll let the dust settle on that." Hull FC will now focus on finishing the season strongly, hoping to secure a playoff position despite the off‑field distractions. The club’s supporters, who have shown unwavering loyalty, will be looking for consistency on the field as they await clarification on the coaching situation. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match this season, offering fans the chance to follow Hull’s journey as it unfolds.