John Cartwright has stated that Nick Staveley's departure from Hull FC was a mutual decision, with both parties coming to an agreement on a release after it became clear that the player wasn't in contention for a place in the head coach's side.

The club confirmed the forward's release on Monday, with the understanding being that the 21-year-old is now undergoing a trial at Super League rival Castleford Tigers. In Cartwright's view, the move to West Yorkshire will allow Staveley, who was out of contract at Hull at the end of 2025 and unlikely to sign a new deal, to get the first-team opportunities he craves, with other players forcing themselves ahead of the player following an ACL rupture last season.

Staveley suffered the injury last March, having played five Super League games at the start of the year. The Leeds-born talent was performing well, but unfortunately, after a long process, the parties felt a release was most appropriate with the likes of Will Kirby, Zach Jebson, Lennon Clark, and the like emerging on the scene.

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Speaking to Hull Live in his pre-match press conference, Cartwright said: "There are a few in front of Nick. It's been a while for him to get over his injury. The staff have worked really hard on him.

"There was some interest in Nick. He had a few guys in front of him in the queue, and he saw a good opportunity at Castleford to stake a claim.

"It's one of those things – an opportunity came up there where he might not have as many in the queue in front of him. Between himself and the club, they came to a decision, and now we move on. It's happened now, and we move on."

Staveley is the second player to be released this pre-season following Jordan Abdull's exit last January.