Outgoing Hull FC coach John Cartwright said he had been left a “blubbering mess” after learning the club would not renew his contract, but insisted he wants to remain in charge until the end of the season despite his side’s 24-14 Super League defeat to St Helens.
Hull announced last week they would not renew the 60-year-old Australian’s deal at season’s end, a decision that appeared to surprise Cartwright. He told Sky Sports he felt “betrayed and disrespected” amid reports that former England and Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNamara is set to replace him.
Cartwright received a warm ovation from Hull fans at the MKM Stadium and was even cheered as supporters chanted his name late in the game. Speaking before the match, he said he had not been given a clear reason for the decision and wanted to continue through the season, which runs until October.
“I didn’t know I’d be in this position at all two weeks ago, so who knows what’s going to happen down the future,” Cartwright said. “But, for me, I love the group of guys here. We have a really good bond and I think we’re on the improve. I think we’ve got 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 he added: “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 further conversations with Hull owner Andrew Thirkill and expected more talks to follow, saying he had not been given a clear explanation for his contract not being renewed: “Not really, no. I’ve had some conversations with Andrew, and we will meet again next week. But at this stage, there’s been a few little things, but hopefully I can clear that up next week.”
Cartwright, who arrived on a two-year deal after the 2024 season, oversaw a marked improvement: Hull’s win total rose to 13 in 2025 after just three the previous year. He said the players’ reaction to the news had affected him deeply. “It’s a funny one for me to answer,” he said. “I was a blubbering mess at one point. It’s lucky that we’ve had two weeks to get ready for the game. Once the players knew, we’ve had three really good sessions, there’s been no talk of it.”
Match summary
Hull led by six at the interval but were overrun in the second half as St Helens staged a comeback. Logan Moy opened the scoring for Hull in the 12th minute. Zak Hardaker added to the lead with two successful kicks. Saints responded when Jake Davies broke through the home defence and Tristan Sailor added several kicks to haul Saints level. Amir Bourouh forced his way over from dummy half to restore Hull’s lead, and the Black and Whites went into half-time ahead by six.
Saints looked sharper after the break. Noah Stephens crossed to level the game, and an exchange of penalties for high tackles left the sides tied at 14-14. Saints then turned the game in the closing stages as Sailor set up Kyle Feldt for a corner try before Harry Robertson shrugged off Moy to seal a 24-14 victory.
Hull struggled with a fractured build-up after the departure news, which included a day off from training as the announcement settled in, but produced a competitive first half before Saints’ greater cohesion in the second half proved decisive.
2026 Super League — key dates and what to look out for
– Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6 — Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors, 6:30pm UK (Sky Sports)
– Magic Weekend: July 4-5
– Rivals Round reversed: July 23-26
– Elimination Play-offs: September 19-20
– Play-off semi-finals: September 26-27
– Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford
Sky Sports will again show every Super League game live this season, including two exclusive live matches per round and additional coverage via Sky Sports+.