The world of professional rugby league is built on grit, loyalty, and tough decisions, but the recent news from Hull FC has left a bitter taste. Outgoing head coach John Cartwright has spoken out, expressing feelings of betrayal and disrespect after the club opted not to renew his contract at season's end.

Cartwright, who took over the reins following a dismal 2024 campaign where Hull FC won only three matches, successfully steered the "Black and Whites" to a respectable seventh-place finish in 2025, just three points shy of the play-offs. Despite this clear improvement, the club's hierarchy decided on a change in direction.

In a candid interview, the 60-year-old Australian revealed the decision was far from mutual. "It wasn't mutual, put it that way," Cartwright stated. He expressed frustration at a lack of communication, noting, "I still haven't been given one (a reason), I have asked... for me I feel a bit betrayed and disrespected."

The situation was further complicated by the timing of the announcement and subsequent reports that Steve McNamara, the former England and Catalans Dragons coach, is set to replace him. Cartwright acknowledged the likely appointment but criticized the handling of the news, saying, "The information was leaked and I found the timing of that awkward... I thought the timing could have been handled better."

The emotional toll was evident within the squad itself. After informing the players of his impending departure, Cartwright made the decision to cancel a training session. "There was a pretty emotional meeting," he recounted. "It wasn’t the type of atmosphere where a training session would have been of any value."

This story is a stark reminder of the high-pressure, often unforgiving nature of top-flight coaching. As Hull FC prepares for a new era, the departure of Cartwright underscores that success in sport is measured not just in league points, but in the respect and clarity of communication between a club and its leaders.