John Cartwright has stepped down as Hull FC's head coach with immediate effect, making way for Steve McNamara to join the team in 2027. This development follows an agreement between Hull FC and Warrington Wolves, where McNamara is currently an assistant coach, for him to become the new head coach of Hull FC for the 2027 Betfred Super League season.
Although Cartwright is no longer the head coach, he remains an employee of Hull FC. In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last will oversee the team for the remainder of the current season. McNamara, who will continue his role at Warrington Wolves until the end of the 2026 campaign, is returning to his boyhood club where he began his career, rising through the youth ranks before making over 160 senior appearances between 1989 and 1996. His coaching career spans over two decades, with notable roles at Bradford Bulls, Catalans Dragons, the England international side, and as an assistant coach in the NRL with Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors.
During his tenure at Catalans Dragons, McNamara led the team to its most successful period, including a Challenge Cup final win, a League Leaders Shield, and two Super League Grand Final appearances. Hull FC's chief executive, Richie Myler, expressed his delight at securing McNamara's services, praising him as a coach of the highest caliber who truly understands the club and the city. Andrew Thirkill, Hull FC's chairman, believes McNamara is the right person to lead the team into its next phase, highlighting his experience, leadership, and standards as critical in building a team capable of competing at the top of Super League.
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League game live this season, including two exclusive matches per round and the remaining five matches each week on Sky Sports+.