Lame duck head coach John Cartwright has said his dedication is stronger than ever with the Hull FC boss issuing a rallying cry about the club’s status.
The Australian will leave the club at the end of the season in a decision that he has described as ‘not mutual’ but despite his disappointment in that, he’s maintained that he remains fully committed to the cause.
In fact, he’s claimed that he will probably be even more dedicated as he outlined his desire to best showcase Hull FC for their growth in the past 12 months under his leadership.
Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside on Monday, just under a week after the news broke of his looming exit, Cartwright was asked about his dedication to the club given his situation.
He answered unequivocally: “My dedication to the team won’t change at all. It’ll probably go up a notch if anything.
“I’m determined that this group is seen for what they’ve been able to do and from where we’ve come from 12 months ago.
“The expectation on us 12 months ago was nowhere near what we were able to achieve last year. I felt like we were on track to do that again.”
Should Tevaga have seen red, Hull KR’s unsung hero and Super League Man of Steel contenders – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Hull FC playing group galvanised by exit announcement
When handed a three-year deal at a club who had picked up just three wins in 2024, almost nobody expected Cartwright to lead Hull FC within three points of the play-offs but that’s what he did.
As a result, expectations sky-rocketed for 2026 but injuries have badly hampered the club, as have the lack of replacements for those injuries which Cartwright did mention, however, he maintained that his side are not far off.
He said: “We’ve had some things go against us as far as personnel is concerned but they’ve fought and they’ve won two of our last three games.
“We’ve played probably the three best sides in the comp in our last three games, and they’ve fought tooth and nail in all those games.”
It was reported and then confirmed by Cartwright that the players did not train when informed of his exit with the coach stating: “I think they had some grievances they wanted to talk about,” as he revealed the players spoke among themselves after he announced his exit.
On whether the playing group have now been brought closer together, Cartwright agreed: “I think it definitely has. Whether that comes out under the pressure of a game, we’ll just have to wait and see, but I think as a group, it’s definitely pulled us closer together.”
“Ridiculous to waste a season”
Despite his impending exit, Cartwright explained that the club cannot simply write the season off, something that happened in 2024 after Tony Smith was sacked from the club. When asked about goals going forward, Cartwright was forthright and offered some reality on the club’s injury situation.
He argued: “Inwardly, we’ve just got to make sure we win as many games as we can. I don’t want to waste a season. It’s ridiculous to waste a season.
“We’re sitting two points out of the six. I think we’ve got eight or nine of our starting 17 on the bench who will be back.”
On injuries, he said: “Johnny is long-term but he’ll be back this year. There’s probably only Prycey (Will Pryce) out of our starting 17 who’s out for the season.
“At some stage, a little bit of luck is going to shine on us and we’re going to get close to our best team on the paddock. That, for me, just spells opportunity.”
Hull FC get their next opportunity on Thursday night at home to St Helens.
Johnny
April 15, 2026 at 10:13 am
Watch Thursday nights gane watch Liam moore rip us off with restarts
He tried to Rob us against Leeds
He come unstuck
He’s back again to beat us the games bent
Eric T Cat
April 15, 2026 at 2:33 pm
Appalling treatment of a good coach and a decent man, and I’m a Rovers fan saying that! With his full squad fit and healthy FC are a top side to take on any club. But decimated by injuries to his spine and talismanic players they’re still a reasonable side able to pull off a good result. You do not build success chopping and changing coaches, it takes time, management, of coaching and playing staff. That’s why Wigan and St Helen’s have had such lasting success in the past. Rugby League doesn’t have the money, or the structure allow for, a Manchester City scenario where somebody, or group, with more money than sense can just purchase success. Leigh, Rovers, now Wakefield have put their faith in these kind of longer term models, Leigh are a have a cup win, Rovers are World Champions, and Wakefield a rapidly improving side who are extremely entertaining to watch play. FC would do well to put forward 3, 6, and 10 year plans to success. A plan focused on stability and growth, development from within, etc.