John Cartwright has officially resigned from his position as head coach of Hull FC, effective immediately, paving the way for Steve McNamara to assume the role beginning with the 2027 Betfred Super League campaign. The announcement was made jointly by Hull FC and the Warrington Wolves, confirming that an agreement has been reached for McNamara to take the reins at the Hull club for the 2027 season.
While Cartwright will remain on the club’s payroll in a different capacity, he will no longer be responsible for the day‑to‑day coaching duties. In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last has been promoted to caretaker head coach and will steer the side through the remainder of the current season until a permanent solution is in place. McNamara, who is presently serving as an assistant coach at Warrington Wolves, will fulfil his existing commitments with the Wolves through the end of the 2026 campaign before making the move back to Hull. His transition will therefore be seamless, allowing him to finish the season with his current club before joining his former junior side.
Steve McNamara’s connection to Hull FC runs deep. He grew up in the city, progressed through the club’s youth system, and went on to make more than 160 first‑team appearances between 1989 and 1996. During his playing days he earned caps for both England and Great Britain, establishing himself as a respected figure in the sport. After hanging up his boots, McNamara embarked on a coaching career that has spanned over two decades and taken him to several high‑profile appointments.
His résumé includes successful spells with the Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons, as well as a stint as the head coach of the England national team. In addition, he gained valuable experience in the Australian NRL, serving as an assistant coach for the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors.
It was during his tenure with the Catalans Dragons in the south of France that McNamara truly left his mark, guiding the club through its most prosperous era. Under his leadership the Dragons captured a Challenge Cup final victory, secured a League Leaders' Shield, and reached two Super League Grand Finals, achievements that cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s leading tacticians.
Hull FC’s chief executive, Richie Myler, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, "We are delighted to secure Steve's services. He is a coach of the highest calibre, and someone who truly understands this club and the city. Steve McNamara coming home is a powerful moment for Hull FC." The sentiment was echoed by chairman Andrew Thirkill, who added, "We believe Steve is the right person to lead Hull FC into our next phase and are thrilled with his appointment.
His experience, leadership and standards will be critical as we build a team capable of competing consistently at the top of Super League." The club’s leadership sees McNamara’s arrival as a catalyst for a new era of ambition. Hull FC, a storied franchise with a passionate fan base, has been striving to return to the upper echelons of the Super League after several seasons of mixed results.
By securing a coach who not only possesses a deep personal affinity for the club but also brings a wealth of international and domestic experience, the board hopes to lay a solid foundation for sustained success. In the short term, Andy Last will oversee training sessions, match preparations, and tactical decisions until the season concludes. His interim stewardship offers continuity for the players and staff, ensuring that the team remains focused on its immediate objectives while the longer‑term vision is being finalized.
Looking ahead, McNamara’s return to Hull FC is expected to influence recruitment, player development, and overall club culture. His proven ability to nurture talent, coupled with his strategic acumen, should help attract promising youngsters and seasoned professionals alike.
Moreover, his familiarity with the club’s ethos is likely to foster a sense of unity and purpose among the squad, coaching staff, and supporters. The announcement also highlighted practical details for fans wishing to view related video content, recommending the use of the Chrome browser for an optimal viewing experience. This technical note underscores the club’s commitment to delivering accessible multimedia content to its audience. Finally, the broadcast arrangement for the upcoming Super League season remains unchanged, with Sky Sports set to televise every match live.
Each round will feature two games broadcast exclusively live, while the remaining five fixtures will be shown on Sky Sports+ channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage for supporters across the country. Overall, the transition marks a significant milestone for Hull FC. The combination of Cartwright’s continued involvement in a different role, Last’s interim leadership, and McNamara’s upcoming appointment creates a structured pathway for the club’s evolution.
Fans can look forward to a period of renewed optimism as the team prepares to compete under the guidance of a coach who embodies both the heritage and the future aspirations of Hull FC.