Outgoing Hull FC head coach John Cartwright admitted he had been left a “blubbering mess” after being told his contract would not be renewed, but he insisted he intends to remain in charge until the end of the season despite Hull’s 24-14 Super League defeat to St Helens.
Hull confirmed last week they will not extend the 60-year-old Australian’s deal when it expires, a decision that appeared to take Cartwright by surprise. He told Sky Sports he felt “betrayed and disrespected” amid media reports that former England and Catalans coach Steve McNamara is in line to replace him.
Cartwright received warm applause from the MKM Stadium crowd and was repeatedly cheered as fans chanted his name late in the match. Before kick-off he said he had not been given a clear explanation for the club’s decision and that he wanted to see out the season, which runs until October.
He said he values the squad and believed there was scope for further improvement: he praised the bond among the players and expressed optimism about the rest of the year. After the game Cartwright said he would let things “settle” before further comment, confirming he had talks scheduled with owner Andrew Thirkill and expected more conversations next week. He added that while there had been “a few little things” raised, he hoped to clarify matters in the coming days.
Cartwright, who returned to Hull on a two-year deal following the 2024 season, oversaw a clear improvement in results: Hull’s win total rose to 13 in 2025 after managing just three the previous year. He said the players’ reaction to the news had affected him deeply and that the announcement had disrupted preparations — there was even a day off from training while the club absorbed the news — but he pointed to three strong training sessions since then and said the squad had focused on the game.
Match summary
Hull led by six at half-time but were outplayed in the second half as St Helens mounted a comeback.
– 12th minute: Logan Moy opened the scoring for Hull, with Zak Hardaker adding kicks to extend the lead.
– Saints responded when Jake Davies broke through and Tristan Sailor contributed with goal kicks to level the game.
– Amir Bourouh crashed over from dummy half to restore Hull’s lead; the home side went into the break six points up.
Saints looked sharper after the interval. Noah Stephens crossed to draw Saints level, and an exchange of penalties for high tackles left the sides tied at 14-14. In the closing stages Sailor created a corner try for Kyle Feldt and Harry Robertson shrugged off Moy to finish off a 24-14 victory for St Helens.
Hull showed resilience in the first half despite the off-field turmoil, but Saints’ greater cohesion after half-time proved decisive.
2026 Super League — key dates and what to watch
– 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 extra coverage via Sky Sports+.