Hull FC endured a 24-14 loss to St Helens in their latest Betfred Super League encounter, a result that was compounded by the turmoil surrounding head coach John Cartwright. In the days leading up to the match, the club announced that Cartwright's contract would not be renewed at the end of the season, a decision that left the 60‑year‑old Australian feeling "betrayed and disrespected". Despite the disappointment, the Hull supporters gave their manager a warm send‑off, chanting his name as the final whistle blew.
Cartwright, who took over Hull on a two‑year deal after the 2024 campaign, has overseen a remarkable turnaround in the team's fortunes. In 2024 the club managed just three victories, but under his guidance that tally jumped to thirteen wins in 2025, signalling a clear upward trajectory. The sudden announcement that he would be replaced – with former England and Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara widely tipped as his successor – came as a shock to both the coach and the playing group. Speaking to Sky Sports before the St Helens game, Cartwright revealed that he still had not been given a concrete explanation for the club's decision.
He said, "I don't know why they're not renewing my contract, but I want to stay until the end of the season and see this through." He added that the season was still in its early stages and would not conclude until October, giving him ample time to finish the campaign on a positive note. When asked whether the Saints fixture might be his last in charge, Cartwright answered cautiously, "Not at the moment, not as I stand here.
Two weeks ago I had no idea I would be in this position, so who knows what the future holds?" He emphasized his affection for the squad, noting the strong bond among the players and the belief that the team could still achieve a "fantastic year" if they maintained focus. After the defeat, an emotional Cartwright admitted he was uncertain about his next steps, stating, "I honestly don't know. I'll let the dust settle on that. I've got a couple of meetings early next week and then we'll find out." He confirmed that he had spoken with Hull owner Andrew Thirkill since the initial announcement and expected further discussions in the coming days.
When pressed about the reasons behind the non‑renewal, Cartwright replied, "Not really, no. I've had some conversations with Andrew, and we will meet again next week.
At this stage there are a few little things, but hopefully I can clear that up next week." The impact of the news on the playing group was evident. Cartwright described his own reaction as a "blubbering mess" and said the players initially struggled to process the information. However, he noted that the team managed to compartmentalise the situation, focusing on the game plan during training sessions. "It's lucky we had two weeks to get ready for the game.
Once the players knew, we had three really good sessions and there was no talk of it on the field," he explained. On the day of the match, Hull started brightly.
Logan Moy opened the scoring in the 12th minute, giving the home side an early advantage. Zak Hardaker added a penalty to extend the lead, but Saints responded quickly, with Jake Davies slipping through the defence to level the scores. Tristan Sailor then kicked a successful conversion, restoring Hull's lead, only for St Helens to fight back again.
Sam Lisone forced a mistake, and Amir Bourouh capitalised from dummy half to push Hull ahead once more. At halftime Hull held a six‑point cushion, but the second half saw Saints surge. Noah Stephens broke through for a try that tied the game at 14‑14, and a series of penalties for high tackles kept the scores level.
The Saints then found fresh energy; Sailor set up Kyle Feldt for a right‑corner try, and Harry Robertson later brushed aside Moy to seal the victory for the visitors. The defeat was a bitter pill for Hull, especially after a recent loss to local rivals Hull KR. The team also had to cope with a disrupted preparation period, including a day off training as the news of Cartwright's impending exit sank in. Nevertheless, the players demonstrated resilience, maintaining discipline and executing the game plan despite the emotional backdrop.
Looking ahead, Cartwright expressed optimism that the remainder of the season could still be productive. He said, "We'll get through tonight and hopefully it's just business as usual after that." He also hinted that the club's leadership might clarify the situation in the coming weeks, allowing both him and the squad to focus on the remaining fixtures.
Hull's fans, while disappointed with the result, showed unwavering support for their coach. The chants and applause they offered after the final whistle underscored the respect they still hold for Cartwright, even as the club prepares for a possible transition to a new head coach. The broader Super League schedule remains intense, with Sky Sports broadcasting every match live this season.
Two games each round are shown exclusively, while the remaining five fixtures are aired throughout the week, ensuring that fans can follow the drama as it unfolds across the league. In summary, Hull's loss to St Helens was more than just a scoreline; it was set against a backdrop of managerial uncertainty, emotional upheaval, and a team striving to maintain momentum amid change. Cartwright's candid reflections reveal a coach caught between loyalty to his players and the harsh realities of professional sport, while the club's future direction hangs in the balance as the season progresses toward its October conclusion.