Cartwright, McNamara, injuries, academy derby, and more. The latest Hull FC notebook.
Hull FC dejected after their derby loss to Hull KR.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC host St Helens on Thursday night, with the Black and Whites aiming to put a turbulent week behind them as the Super League season resumes. They will look to do that with no fewer than 10 players out injured, with three out following the Good Friday derby against Hull KR and two back in the fold.
Preparing his side, John Cartwright, who the club confirmed last Tuesday will leave his role at the end of the season, took training over the weekend and has followed suit into this week. In that statement, Richie Myler stated that an update will follow ‘shortly’ on the next head coach, with Hull Live understanding that coach will be Steve McNamara.
But in the meantime, it’s very much ‘business as usual’ as Hull prepare for the visit of the Saints. The Black and Whites have a duty of care to their stakeholders, namely sponsors, supporters, and the like, to ensure this season doesn’t fade away. They have some winnable games coming up, and as it stands, are just two points off the Super League play-offs. Here is the latest notebook.
John Cartwright’s position
Hull confirmed last Tuesday morning that Cartwright will leave the club at the end of the 2026 season, and while speculation mounts after the club’s decision to part company, nothing has changed on that front. Cartwright has took training since and will continue to do so. He will take his pre-match press conference this Monday afternoon.
Steve McNamara
As reported on Tuesday, Hull Live has been told that Steve McNamara will be Hull FC’s new head coach. A former player of the club, the 54-year-old is believed to have wanted the job for some time, and is now set for his homecoming. He has some coaching pedigree on both sides of the world, working in the NRL, at Super League outfits Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons, and with the England national side. He is currently coaching at Warrington Wolves, with Sam Burgess, eyeing his own extension at the Wire, reaffirming McNamara’s desire to become a head coach once again.
The injury situation
A full Hull FC injury update was provided on Friday, with John Asiata ruled out for a ‘prolonged period’ with a hamstring injury. Elsewhere, Arthur Romano has suffered an ankle injury that required surgery and will rule him out for ‘several months.’ Joe Batchelor will also miss Thursday’s game against former club St Helens with a back injury.
Jake Arthur (calf), Harvey Barron (ankle), and Herman Ese’ese (Achilles) are looking at returns at the start of May, while Jed Cartwright is still ‘around six weeks’ away from his comeback. Joe Phillips has suffered a recurrence of a stress fracture to his leg and has been sent for scans to determine the severity. Will Pryce and Joe Ward (both ACLs) are out for the season.
On a lighter note, Hull will welcome back Brad Fash (HIA) and Yusuf Aydin (ankle) into the fold this week. The full update can be viewed here.
Brad Fash 200
Hull Fc forward Brad Fash will play his 200th game for the Black and Whites on Thursday night. The now 30-year-old debuted as a teenager against Castleford Tigers back in 2015. He opens a tyre shop this Monday, too, in what is a big week for the hometown prop.
Academy lose Derby
Hull FC lost the academy derby to Hull KR on Friday night. The Black and Whites were defeated 34-20 at the University of Hull. Meanwhile, the under-16s scholars derby takes place at Craven Park on Wednesday night.
Wheelchair beaten
Hull FC’s wheelchair side lost their Super League opener to London Roosters on Saturday evening. The Black and Whites were beaten 70-30 at the University of Hull.
Women cup run ends
Hull FC’s women side were defeated 24-14 at Workington Town in the Challenge Shield quarter-final on Sunday afternoon.