AIDAN SEZER labelled Hull FC head coach John Cartwright ‘a father figure’ after it was confirmed that the latter won’t see out the season at the MKM Stadium.
Much had been made of Cartwright’s future at the Black and Whites, with current Warrington Wolves assistant Steve McNamara primed to take over in 2027.
However, emotional scenes hit Sky Sports on Thursday night as Cartwright was visibly emotional during his post-match interview.
Likewise, for Sezer, he hailed the former Gold Coast Titans boss and the effect he had had on the Hull side.
“Ever since Carty came in, we’ve played with a lot of spirit and character and as a team you rub off on your coach,” Sezer told Sky Sports.
“We’re down on troops, we are trying really hard. No matter what happens outside the club and inside the club, we stick together and stay as one.
“You saw a spirited performance out there. Footy wise, we are off but we are trying really hard. It would help to have your full team out there.
“We found out Monday morning when Carty addressed the group. It hurts on a personal level, I came back to this country for his, he was my first coach at Gold Coast.
“I wanted to try really hard for him, we come up short but there’s always next week.
“I loved playing under him, he’s like a father figure to me.”