Hull FC endured a 24-14 loss to St Helens in the Betfred Super League, a result that left coach John Cartwright emotionally raw and publicly describing himself as a "blubbering mess" after the club announced it would not renew his contract beyond the current season. The 60-year-old Australian, who has been at the helm since a two‑year deal was signed after the 2024 campaign, expressed a mixture of shock, disappointment and determination in the days following the decision. Cartwright first hinted that he intended to stay on until the season’s end, despite the club’s clear intention to replace him. The announcement that former England and Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara was being lined up as his successor came as a surprise to the veteran coach, who said he felt "betrayed and disrespected" by the move.
He admitted he had not been given a detailed explanation for the non‑renewal, only vague comments that a few "little things" needed clarification in upcoming meetings with Hull owner Andrew Thirkill. During the pre‑match press conference, Cartwright told Sky Sports that he was still hopeful about seeing the campaign 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?" He emphasized his affection for the squad, noting the strong bond among the players and the belief that the team was on an upward trajectory after a marked improvement in results – the win tally rose from three in the previous year to thirteen in 2025. The atmosphere at the Hull stadium was surprisingly supportive.
Even as the team fell behind after a strong first‑half performance, fans rose to their feet and chanted Cartwright's name, offering a rare moment of encouragement for a coach under intense scrutiny. The match itself saw Hull lead by six points at halftime, thanks to early scores from Logan Moy and Zak Hardaker, who converted two penalties.
However, St Helens responded in the second half with a series of disciplined attacks, culminating in tries from Kyle Feldt and Harry Robertson that sealed their victory. Cartwright reflected on the emotional toll the contract news had taken on his players.
He confessed that when the squad learned of his impending departure, he became "a blubbering mess" himself, but the team managed to compartmentalise the situation, focusing on the game. "We've had three really good sessions since the news broke and there has been no talk of it on the training ground," he explained. In the aftermath of the match, an emotional Cartwright admitted he could not predict his future.
"I honestly don't know," he said, "I'll let the dust settle and see what happens after a few meetings next week." He confirmed that further discussions with Thirkill were scheduled, hoping to resolve lingering uncertainties. The broader context of Hull's season adds weight to Cartwright's statements.
The club entered the campaign with a rebuilding mindset, and under his guidance the team demonstrated a noticeable improvement in both attacking flair and defensive solidity. Yet the decision to part ways with Cartwright suggests that the board is looking for a different direction, perhaps hoping that a high‑profile appointment like McNamara will accelerate the club's ambitions. St Helens, meanwhile, arrived in East Yorkshire riding a wave of confidence after a dramatic Good Friday win over Wigan and a smooth passage through the Challenge Cup against Catalans Dragons.
Their performance against Hull reflected that momentum, as they capitalised on Hull's momentary lapse in concentration after the break. The match featured several key moments: a penalty goal by Jake Davies that levelled the scores, Tristan Sailor's accurate kicking that kept the game tight, and a decisive try by Feldt in the closing stages that restored Saints' lead.
For Hull supporters, the defeat was a bitter pill, especially after a recent derby loss to Hull KR. Yet many praised the team's resilience, noting that the early dominance and the ability to keep the game within reach despite the off‑field turbulence were signs of a squad that could thrive under more stable leadership. Looking ahead, Hull FC will need to navigate the remainder of the season without the certainty of a permanent head coach.
The upcoming fixtures will test the squad's depth and the interim coaching staff's capacity to maintain the progress made under Cartwright. Meanwhile, the club's management will be under pressure to justify their decision to replace a coach who had overseen a significant turnaround in performance. The story of John Cartwright's tenure at Hull FC is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in professional sport.
From a promising start and a dramatic improvement in win totals to a public dismissal and personal emotional upheaval, his experience encapsulates the high‑stakes environment of Super League football. Whether he will depart at the season's end or find a new role elsewhere remains to be seen, but his candid reflections provide a human perspective on the often‑impersonal business of professional rugby league. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League game this season, offering fans the chance to follow Hull FC's journey and the unfolding saga of their coaching changes, with two matches per round shown live and the remaining fixtures available throughout the week.