Hull FC will train as normal ahead of Thursday’s game against St Helens.
Hull FC huddle up against Hull KR. (Image: Getty Images)
Hull FC will train this Saturday morning, Hull Live has been told, with John Cartwright leading the session as normal ahead of Thursday’s Super League game against St Helens.
The Black and Whites confirmed on Tuesday morning that Cartwright will depart the club at the end of the 2026 season. The club are expected to appoint Steve McNamara as his replacement for the 2027 season and beyond, with the Hull-born coach currently working under Sam Burgess at Warrington Wolves.
Meanwhile, Cartwright will lead Hull’s preparations for Thursday’s game against the Saints, with training resuming on Saturday before stepping up once again next week. The Australian will also take his pre-match press duties as normal.
Navigating a tough few days, Hull, as Cartwright stated post-match after Good Friday’s derby defeat at Hull KR, have prioritised recovery this week after an injury toll that has reached double figures, with the likes of John Asiata and Arthur Romano now out for substantial periods.
Some light sessions were planned, with one of those sessions taking place on Thursday, with the players off on Wednesday. They also had a light session scheduled for Tuesday, but after Cartwright addressed the players of his end-of-season departure, it was deemed, by both the coaching staff and senior players, not viable to follow through with that session.
However, Hull will train as normal from Saturday in the lead up to Thursday’s game. They currently sit ninth in Super League after seven rounds, with three wins to their name and four defeats, and are out of the Challenge Cup.
A club statement from CEO Richie Myler read on Tuesday: “John will continue to lead the first-team squad for the remainder of the current campaign, and has the support of the full club as we work together to finish the season as strongly as possible.
“To minimise speculation, the club can confirm that they are in the process of securing the services of a new head coach for the 2027 season onwards, and will provide a further update shortly.”