Hull FC interim coach ‘very confident’ in player’s ability to ignore off-field drama as tribute paid to John Cartwright

Andy Last is ‘very confident’ that his Hull FC players can put aside off-field drama and crack on with the job amid the exit of John Cartwright, whom Last has also paid tribute to.

In a whirlwind few weeks at Hull FC, the club have confirmed that Cartwright would not lead them in 2027 but his explosive press conference has resulted in the Australian stepping down from his duties immediately, despite remaining employed at the club.

It means Hull-born Andy Last takes interim duty of the club for the second time having done so before when Lee Radford was axed, and when speaking to BBC Radio Humberside about the honour of holding the role, Last was sure to note the circumstances.

“It’s tinged with a bit of disappointment because a fellow colleague has lost his position,” Last said when asked about his role as interim head coach.

“He’s a guy who I’ve obviously got the utmost respect for but when the club made the decision to appoint me as interim head coach til the end of the season, I couldn’t wait to take the challenge on.

“I’ve done it before and did a reasonable job, so I’m excited and looking forward to the next 19 games that we’ve got left.

“Just really really disappointed for John, he’s a good fella. I understand the reasons and obviously, that’s been spoken about at length. I’m excited about the future but there’s also that disappointment.”

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Hull FC have ‘ingredients’ for strong season despite coach change

One thing that Cartwright had said in his explosive presser was the fact that Hull FC could not simply write the season off, despite his impending exit.

With that exit now expedited and an interim in charge, Last is now tasked with ensuring that’s not the case and he outlined his belief that the club can still have a strong campaign, despite their injury issues.

“The ingredients are there to have a real strong finish to the season,” the 45-year-old said.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to get our best players on the field due to the injuries but in the next three to six weeks we’ll be getting some bodies returning to the fold.”

One man who is set to return for tonight’s game against Castleford is Jake Arthur with Last claiming that the Australian’s presence will be a ‘massive massive lift’ for the club.

Aside from individual performances in terms of quality, there are also understandable worries about player performance based on the off-field distraction of Cartwright’s exit. After the loss to St Helens, which proved to be Cartwright’s final game, the players made a point of walking down the tunnel with their head coach.

Asked if he has confidence that the group can be settled and kick on amid the off-field issues, Last asserted:  “I’m very very confident. The playing group have been very professional. Some senior players have stood up and shown strong leadership.

“The likes of Batch (Joe Batchelor), Zak (Hardaker) and Johnny Asiata, Will Pryce, even the guys who are injured at the moment have spoken with poise and passion and used their experience wisely and it galvanises the group.”