Hull FC winger Tom Briscoe has revealed the decision by the club to cut short John Cartwright’s contract ‘came as a shock’ with the veteran giving his verdict on the events of the past two weeks.
It was announced last Tuesday by the club that John Cartwright would leave Hull FC at the end of the 2026 season, one year earlier than initially contracted for, with Cartwright since making it very clear that the decision was ‘not mutual’.
Cartwright would go further and explain that he felt ‘disrespected’ and ‘betrayed’ and it was shortly after his own explosive presser that Tom Briscoe fielded questions from BBC Radio Humberside on the club’s current situation.
“Obviously, it’s a challenging time for the club and the team but as players you’ve got to get on with it,” Briscoe explained.
“We’re not sure what the future holds as in the immediate for the rest of the season but we’ve got a job to do come Thursday and the rest of this season.”
Hull FC host St Helens tonight in a game that will have plenty of eyes on how the players react, with Cartwright previously claiming that the group have grown closer together as a result of the shock news of his exit.
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.
‘Completely different story’ – Hull FC man quashes fears of 2024 repeat
Briscoe confirmed that it was a shock exit, as he was asked about the meeting in which Cartwright revealed the news to the playing group.
“Obviously, it came as a shock to go into the meeting and be told that,” the winger said.
“It happens in sport, it’s a very volatile environment and things are forever changing. That goes for players as well as coaches and staff.
“You’ve got to put that to the side now. That will be dealt with separate to us as a playing group. John has been good, he’s tried to keep everything away from us as much as he can to try and protect the team and what we’re trying to build here.”
Cartwright had claimed that the players had ‘grievances’ but Briscoe refused to comment on what was said, labeling it as ‘private’.
He also put the lid on fears that Hull FC could see their season diminish, as was the case in 2024 after Tony Smith’s sacking amid an injury crisis, with Briscoe joining midway through that season.
The winger argued: “I feel like it’s a completely different story and there’s a different feeling about the place on the back of last year. As a group, we’re really strong.
“I came in at a time when there was a lot of uncertainty with new players coming in and players being let go. Did we get up to squad number 45 or something, so at that point it got a bit crazy.
“I feel we’ve got a stronger group this year and the feeling about the group is a lot better.”
He also fielded questions on his own future after signing a new deal last year that also included a one-year extension option.
“I went through this all last year about the contract talks but at the minute, I’ll see how I feel. We’re only early in the season,” Briscoe said.
“Obviously, it puts a hold on it in terms of a new coach coming in and what they want but, like last season, I’m in no rush to get anything sorted. I’ll just see how I go, see how I feel towards the back end of the year and we’ll assess and go from there.”
