What John Cartwright said after Hull FC beat Salford to move into Super League top six

Hull FC beat Salford Red Devils 38-6 to move back into the top six with head coach John Cartwright giving his verdict post-match.

In the final game of Super League Round 15, the Black and Whites came past a tough Salford side who folded in the second half as the conditions turned against them.

There was a very strong wind at the AJ Bell Stadium and Hull FC found themselves playing into it in the first half. That combined with the Red Devils’ grit and some wasted opportunities meant that John Cartwright’s side only went into the break 14-6 up.

They would add a further 24 points in the second half, aided by the wind and some sloppy Salford defence which playmaker Aidan Sezer made sure to take advantage of.

Paul Rowley argued that his side dominated aspects of the first half and Cartwright didn’t disagree as he gave his post-match assessment.

On that first-half he said: “We found it hard to get out of our own half and they (Salford) were full of energy. They pinned us in our own end and they were chancing their hand.

“I thought we defended pretty well, considering the amount of goal-line defence we had to do.”

Hull FC boss assesses ‘congested’ top six

He had pointed to the wind as both a detriment to his team but also as a way of praising the club’s fans who were chanting throughout his interview, many of whom had arrived on the 20 coaches provided by Hull FC.

Cartwright said: “Look at the conditions, I know it wasn’t like this all game, but ten minutes after the finish, they’re still here cheering and singing.

“As I’ve said before, it’s hard to put into words what it actually does on the scoreboard, but it’s certainly a good feeling.”

Speaking further on the wind, he labelled it ‘deceiving’, adding: “Until the ball went up in the air, you didn’t notice it but the boys said at half-time that it was a very strong wind.

“It’s a dangerous game. We wanted to come here and get a result, get no injuries, and hopefully we’ve done that.”

The win returns Hull FC to the top six, one point behind St Helens and one point in front of Wakefield. On that race for the play-offs, Cartwright explained: “In the scheme of the table, that bottom part of the six is getting very congested.

“There were a few surprises over the weekend as well, which is always good when you’re fighting for the six so you know them top sides are beatable.”

⏱️ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: Salford Red Devils 6-38 Hull FC

Another two points on the road in the bag✅😆

⚫️⚪️ #COYH | @Seafishukltd pic.twitter.com/3qCCs7DuzP

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) June 22, 2025