Hull FC boss John Cartwright “not a fan of” specific Super League rule

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright admits he’s still adapting to rugby league on this side of the world.

Following the Airlie Birds’ 24-4 victory over Catalans Dragons in Perpignan, Cartwright was vocal about the use of the green card rule introduced to Super League in 2025.

It only applies to the defending team but many coaches and players are not 100% clear on the rule just yet.

The green card was shown to Aidan Sezer in the 44th minute and there was some confusion amongst the player, the backroom staff and fans alike.

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Cartwright said: “I’ve got to say that I’m not a fan of the green card.

“It’s a tough one because I know what they’re trying to do with the game, I just wish blokes wouldn’t just lie down, to be honest.

“I felt for Aidan all night because he was under attack with kicks, he got taken to the ground several times.

“I’m sure we’re going to see penalties for that at some stage in the future,” he added.

It wasn’t just Sezer who was a target during the match, with Cartwright asking for some clarification on the rule.

The Hull FC boss said said: “Cade Cust got a really bad one as well.

“I don’t think they protected the kickers all that well, and then he (Sezer) got taken out after the kick and then we lose him to a green card.

“That’s the rule, we’ve just got to deal with it and get used to it,” he finished.

The official statement from the RFL is as follows:

It was introduced to reduce the time taken to deal with injured players on the field of play, without compromising player safety – so if the referee has been requested by a physio or doctor to stop play because of a potentially serious injury to a defending player, and the player involved is not interchanged or taken off for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), the player will be shown a Green Card requiring him to leave the field for two minutes of elapsed playing time.

Also as previously, a Club may use one of their interchanges to allow the player to remain on the pitch.

Cartwright was also asked about the captain’s challenge and stated the differences between the Super League and the NRL on the rule.

He said: “I know back in the NRL, they do them really quickly, people don’t go back after the game and say ‘that one was right, that one was wrong’.

“Watch it, come up with an opinion on it and move on. It was a long. long time waiting for the decisions.”

However, he was quick to point out that he was pleased with the performance overall and wanted to credit the entire club for their efforts.

He finished: “I’m really happy for the players and the staff, and all involved with the club.

“We’ve got a long, long way to go but it’s nice that there’s a smile on the face for this week.”

Hull FC’s next test is a home match against 2024 champions Wigan Warriors in round 2 of the 2025 Super League season.