CALLUM WALKER reflects on a hugely disappointing year for the Black and Whites.
The hope
Hull FC had finished seventh in 2025 under John Cartwright, missing out on a play-off spot to Wakefield Trinity by just three points.
The signings of Harvie Hill, Sam Lisone, Jake Arthur, Joe Batchelor and James Bell brought the Black and Whites considerable firepower and experience, with Hull expected to be fighting for the play-offs once more in 2026 and a real optimism that they could actually make the top six this time around.
That good feeling was felt on the terraces at the MKM Stadium, as Hull bypassed 9,000 season ticket holders for the first time since 2020 – a figure only beaten by Leeds Rhinos.
The reality
It couldn’t have gone much worse for the Black and Whites in 2026.
Hull won their first game of the Super League season against Bradford Bulls, but a run of four defeats ramped up the pressure on John Cartwright.
A seemingly irreconcilable split behind the scenes led to Cartwright stepping down in April, apparently against the wishes of Hull FC players and more than a year earlier than his contract had originally been signed for.
Things continued to turn more sour and Cartwright was placed on gardening leave as assistant Andy Last took the reins.
Last only managed five wins from 18 games as the Black and Whites had the ignominy of ending the season four places lower than in 2025.
Several of their key players struggled for form and fitness for the majority of the season, but they were given a boost in the very last round of Super League when they registered an impressive 18-12 victory at Leeds Rhinos.
Best players
Zak Hardaker wound back the years with two tries and 56 goals in 22 appearances whilst halfback Aidan Sezer had glimpses of brilliance here and there.
Livewire fullback Logan Moy also impressed in the absence of Will Pryce, as new signing Joe Batchelor impressed in the back-row.
In quotes
“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.” – John Cartwright after being told his contract would be cut short a year early.
“Me and John had a conversation on the Monday about the derby in his office. It was a short conversation that lasted no longer than 10 minutes. My understanding of that conversation was clear. John recalled that slightly differently and that has led to the events that have come out. From that meeting, the conversation was that, from 2027, the club is going to go in a different direction. He still had the full support of us for 2026.” – Hull chief executive Richie Myler defends the way the club handled John Cartwright’s exit.
“Where’s that been all season? To win the game with 34 per cent possession? I don’t know, I’m absolutely stunned, mentally frazzled. It was outstanding, to come up with that effort and performance is amazing.” – Interim coach Andy Last’s reaction to Hull’s 18-12 win over Leeds Rhinos on the final day of the season.
In numbers
13,119 was Hull FC’s average attendance during the 2026 season – a remarkable feat considering the results and table position.
-109 was their points difference, which proved better than Toulouse Olympique, Catalans Dragons, York Knights, Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls, and they actually conceded 17 fewer points than St Helens (597 to 614).
50-10 was Hull FC’s biggest win over Castleford in the modern era.
Highlights
A 50-10 win over Castleford Tigers in Andy Last’s first game in charge was a demonstration of what Hull could achieve, whilst the 18-12 win over Leeds Rhinos in the final round of the season brought positivity to what had been otherwise a dreadful year.
Logan Moy’s development after having a consistent run in the side proved to Hull fans that the future can be bright.
A consistent five-figure home crowd at the MKM Stadium continued to impress as the Black and Whites’ supporters turned out in their numbers home and away.
Lowlights
There were quite a few, not least the controversy surrounding John Cartwright’s departure.
A run of seven defeats between June and August saw the club fall to 13th on the Super League ladder. A 42-6 loss to Leigh Leopards in May was Hull’s worst result of the campaign.
But the scene was set early on for Hull’s painful 2026 season when star Will Pryce suffered an ACL injury in February and was ruled out for the entire year, while star forward John Asiata made just six appearances during an injury-hit period.
Losing Academy star Davy Litten to Wakefield Trinity on a long-term deal was also a bitter pill to swallow.
Looking ahead
Hull FC shocked both sides of the world when they announced the capture of NRL Grand Finalist Daly Cherry-Evans for 2027. He may be 37, but Cherry-Evans is ageing like a fine wine and his signing could well prove to be masterstroke by the Black and Whites.
The club has also seemingly gone down the second-tier Australian route, with Josh Coric, Junior Pauga and Jordan Swann joining following successful stints in the reserves and New South Wales competitions.
But the appointment of Steve McNamara as head coach is arguably one that could see Hull taken to another level. Hull born and bred, McNamara has done an exceptional job alongside Sam Burgess at Warrington Wolves, and, with his experience at Catalans Dragons standing him in good stead for such a role, Hull look as though they could be a completely different entity in 2027.
