John Cartwright has officially vacated his position as the head coach of Hull FC, effective immediately, paving the way for Steve McNamara to assume the role starting with the 2027 Betfred Super League season. The transition was jointly announced by Hull FC and the Warrington Wolves, confirming that a formal agreement has been reached for McNamara to take the reins at the Kingston upon Hull club. While Cartwright will remain on the club’s payroll in a different capacity, he has relinquished all coaching responsibilities. In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last has been promoted to caretaker head coach and will steer the team through the remainder of the current campaign.
McNamara, who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Warrington Wolves, will fulfil his duties there until the conclusion of the 2026 season before moving to Hull FC. His appointment is being hailed as a homecoming, as McNamara grew up within the Hull FC system, progressing through the junior ranks before breaking into the first team. Between 1989 and 1996 he amassed more than 160 senior appearances for the club, earning a reputation as a reliable forward and later representing both England and Great Britain on the international stage. Beyond his playing days, McNamara has built an impressive coaching résumé over the past twenty years.
He has held senior coaching positions with the Bradford Bulls and the Catalans Dragons, as well as a stint leading the England national side. His experience also extends to the Southern Hemisphere, where he served as an assistant coach for two NRL clubs – the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors.
During his tenure with the Catalans Dragons in the south of France, McNamara guided the team through its most successful era, securing a Challenge Cup victory, a League Leaders’ Shield, and two appearances in the Super League Grand Final. Hull FC’s chief executive Richie Myler expressed enthusiasm about the new 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." Chairman Andrew Thirkill echoed these sentiments, adding, "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 blend of local heritage and extensive coaching pedigree as essential for rebuilding a squad that can challenge for titles.
Hull FC has struggled to maintain a consistent presence among the league’s elite in recent seasons, and the board hopes that McNamara’s strategic insight and proven track record will revitalize the team’s performance, culture, and recruitment. In the short term, Andy Last will oversee day‑to‑day training, match preparation, and tactical decisions until the season concludes. His interim stewardship provides continuity for the players while the club finalises longer‑term plans under McNamara’s future guidance. Fans are encouraged to watch the upcoming matches using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, as the club’s media team has highlighted compatibility issues with other browsers.
Sky Sports will continue its comprehensive coverage of the Super League, broadcasting every game live this season. Two fixtures per round will be shown exclusively live, while the remaining five matches each week will also be available on the Sky Sports+ platform, ensuring supporters have ample opportunity to follow Hull FC’s progress. The transition marks a significant moment in Hull FC’s history, bringing together a former player‑turned‑coach who embodies the club’s identity with a seasoned administrator eager to steer the organization toward renewed success. As the 2026 season draws to a close, the focus will shift to preparing for McNamara’s arrival, including potential changes to the playing roster, staff appointments, and the implementation of a new tactical philosophy designed to elevate Hull FC back into the upper echelons of the Super League.
Overall, the departure of Cartwright and the upcoming appointment of McNamara signal a strategic pivot for Hull FC, aiming to blend local tradition with modern coaching expertise in pursuit of sustained competitiveness and, ultimately, championship glory.