Hull FC told they look like a club waiting for Steve McNamara’s arrival.
Hull FC have won just four games so far in Super League 2026.
Paul Cooke has questioned whether Hull FC have already thrown in the towel on their season amid a chaotic 2026 campaign, claiming the Black and Whites look like “they’re floating along and waiting for Steve McNamara to come in.”
Hull have managed just four Super League wins from 11 games so far this year in a season rocked by John Cartwright’s departure – with the Australian coach recently linking up with Catalans Dragons – and a crippling injury crisis.
Brad Fash is the latest casualty after suffering an MCL injury in the defeat to Bradford Bulls. Hull are also without key men Will Pryce (ACL), Lewis Martin (ankle), Jed Cartwright (hamstring), John Asiata (hamstring), James Bell (knee), Sam Lisone (pec) and Ligi Sao (shoulder).
The Black and Whites have won just one of their last five matches and head into Round 12 sitting six points adrift of the play-off spots.
Speaking on All Out Rugby League’s Back Ten Prediction Show, Cooke did not hold back as he questioned what exactly is going on at his former club.
“They just look rudderless to me. They look like they’re floating along and waiting for Steve McNamara to come in. ‘Can you come in early Steve?’ and the answer is no to that, and 2026 written off? What is it?
“You would think that professional pride would kick in. I don’t think players go out there to give up. But when I watch them, I don’t understand what their identity is, why they’re playing the way they’re playing and what is happening.
“There was a lot made of the Cartwright situation and certain senior players that were in the Cartwright camp. I’m not saying players have downed their tools or anything like that, but it just doesn’t look easy on the eye.
“I want nothing more than the clubs I represented to do better and be in the big games, but unfortunately you can only call it as you see it. I do think Hull will struggle this week at Leigh.”
Back Ten host Kyle Amor, guest Keith Senior and Cooke all predicted defeats for Hull away to Leigh Leopards.