Rugby League Apr 19, 2026

John Cartwright left 'betrayed and disrespected' by Hull FC after departure announcement

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
John Cartwright left 'betrayed and disrespected' by Hull FC after departure announcement

John Cartwright says he has been left "betrayed and disrespected" after his Hull FC exit was confirmed before the club had given him an explanation.

Hull FC announced on April 7 that head coach Cartwright would be leaving the club at the end of the Betfred Super League season.

The news came as a surprise to the 60‑year‑old Australian who, almost a week on, still has no explanation for the decision to end his tenure.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Cartwright said: "The club have come to a decision that they would part ways at the end of my current contract and that a six-month termination clause would be exercised.

"That's pretty much how it happened. I still haven't been given a reason, to be honest with you. I don't know. I have asked and I expect to sit down with someone in the not-too-distant future.

"When people know the facts, they can make their own mind up. For me, I probably feel a little bit betrayed and disrespected."

Cartwright took over at the MKM Stadium at the start of the 2025 campaign and helped the club to a seventh-placed finish, their highest finish since 2020.

Hull FC, who have already started the process of hiring a new coach from the 2027 season, currently sit ninth in Super League after three wins and four defeat from their first seven matches.

"I'll still do my job. I won't do anything that will put that at risk," Cartwright added. "You ask me questions and I'll tell you the answer. That's where that sits.

"My loyalty and my bond with the players are something that can never be taken away.

"It took me totally by surprise. If you lose six in a row, you might feel they'd be a tap on the shoulder, but there was none of that."

Your Site will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on

Tags:

rugby-league news

Share this article

Related Posts

Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos: Leeds climb to summit after beating Bradford in first Super League meeting in 12 years

Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos: Leeds climb to summit after beating Bradford in first Super League meeting in 12 years

Leeds moved top of the table after overcoming Bradford 24-12 in the west Yorkshire rivals’ first Betfred Super League meeting in 12 years.The old foes...

Warrington Wolves 23-6 Wigan Warriors: Josh Thewlis and Albert Hopoate star as Sam Burgess' side inflict fourth Super League loss in a row on Wigan

Warrington Wolves 23-6 Wigan Warriors: Josh Thewlis and Albert Hopoate star as Sam Burgess' side inflict fourth Super League loss in a row on Wigan

Josh Thewlis and Albert Hopoate scored for Warrington Wolves as they pulled off a big 23-6 win over Wigan Warriors in Round Nine of Super League at th...

Rivals Round: Updates, scores, videos, analysis reports with Hull KR, Hull FC, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls in action

Rivals Round: Updates, scores, videos, analysis reports with Hull KR, Hull FC, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls in action

Atletico showing strong interest in Wolves' GomesLatest from Your Site News' Lyall Thomas:Atletico Madrid are showing strong interest in signing Wolve...

Hull KR 24-6 Hull FC: Robins pull clear of local rivals to win fiery 250th derby in Super League Rivals Round opener

Hull KR 24-6 Hull FC: Robins pull clear of local rivals to win fiery 250th derby in Super League Rivals Round opener

Hull KR claimed successive Betfred Super League victories for the first time this season with a 24-6 win over Hull FC in a fiery 250th edition of the...

Hull FC CEO opens up on John Cartwright exit and Steve McNamara appointment: 'We couldn’t miss opportunity'

Hull FC CEO opens up on John Cartwright exit and Steve McNamara appointment: 'We couldn’t miss opportunity'

Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler has defended the club’s handling of John Cartwright’s departure after confirming Steve McNamara will take over as...

Brian McDermott adamant England can break Australia dominance and win Rugby League World Cup for first time

Brian McDermott adamant England can break Australia dominance and win Rugby League World Cup for first time

Brian McDermott believes he can devise the code to finally crack England's quest for a maiden Rugby League World Cup title and end Australia's long-st...