John Cartwright has parted ways with his role as Hull FC's head coach, effective immediately. He will remain a Hull FC employee but has relinquished his coaching duties. Steve McNamara is set to take over as the new head coach starting from the 2027 Betfred Super League season.
In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last will assume the head coaching responsibilities until the end of the current season. McNamara will continue to serve as an assistant coach at Warrington Wolves for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
A renowned figure in the sport, McNamara boasts an impressive coaching career spanning over two decades, with notable stints at Bradford Bulls, Catalans Dragons, and the England national team, as well as a tenure in the NRL. During his time at Catalans Dragons, McNamara led the team to unprecedented success, including a Challenge Cup final win and two Super League Grand Final appearances. Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler expressed his enthusiasm for McNamara's appointment, stating, 'We are thrilled to secure Steve's services.
He is a coach of the highest caliber, with a deep understanding of this club and the city.' Chairman Andrew Thirkill also welcomed McNamara, saying, 'We believe Steve is the ideal person to lead Hull FC into our next phase, and we are excited about his appointment. His experience, leadership, and standards will be crucial as we build a team capable of competing consistently at the top of Super League.'