A very emotional John Cartwright gave his verdict after Hull FC lost to St Helens with the head coach speaking on his love for the players and fans.
It was the first game that the Black and Whites had played after the club’s announcement that Cartwright would leave Hull FC at the end of the season, a decision that the fans made clear they were unhappy with as they showed an outpouring of love for their head coach whilst also booing CEO Richie Myler.
That outpouring of love wasn’t enough to carry Hull FC to a win as St Helens won 24-14 to go top of Super League, however, the bigger story was John Cartwright and his future.
He waved to the fans as the final hooter went in what appeared to be a farewell but Cartwright refused to confirm if it was in fact his final game in charge of the club.
Jazz Tevaga’s sin-bin, Hull KR’s underrated star and very early Man of Steel candidates – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.
John Cartwright speaks on Hull FC future
Speaking post-match on Sky Sports, Cartwright had to compose himself before speaking as a host of Hull FC fans had stayed behind in the stadium to applaud and show their appreciation to their head coach.
When he finally did speak, Cartwright said: “It means a lot. I didn’t expect this sort of thing. It’s just hit me all of a sudden but yeah, it means a lot.
“They’re very passionate fans so when they have an opinion or thoughts on something, they make it known. They’re the best fans I’ve ever come across. They just keep turning up and I thought the players really gave something to cheer about tonight.
“Again, we just lacked a little bit of polish. A couple of things went against us in the second half where the game was in the balance but the last set of six in defence was the best one all night, they never gave up.”
Cartwright was asked about that team spirit and explained that it’s something he feels in training, which he revealed to be his ‘happy place’.
He explained: “When you work in a team environment to and there’s so much writing every week, there’s pressure on results and pressure to win games and. I get away from that from being in training with these guys.
“I said to them yesterday, ‘this is my happy place when I’m here’ because they look after each other. They’re a really, really tight-knit group.
“Even now to a man, they’re all sort of still waiting over there. I’m just blessed and privileged to be a part of a great club and a great group of guys.”
With such a united performance despite the defeat, the Australian was asked if it’s something the club can replicate going forward.
“I hope so. It’s hard to play with that sort of emotion every week. There was a, definitely a response tonight in the way they went about their business.
“We picked up another couple of injuries again. There were two guys that couldn’t go back on but it doesn’t matter who you put out there, they give the same sort of effort. I’m proud to be involved in such a hardworking, good group of guys.”
Asked the question that everyone is wondering, what happens next, Cartwright responded: “Oh, I honestly don’t know.
“I’ll let the dust settle on that. I’ve had a couple of meetings early this week and then we’ll find out.”
St Helens go TOP after victory against Hull FC! 📈 pic.twitter.com/mViXjX91Rg
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 16, 2026
