John Cartwright has officially vacated his position as 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 announcement was made jointly by Hull FC and Warrington Wolves, confirming that an agreement has been reached for McNamara to take charge of Hull FC’s first‑team duties in 2027. While Cartwright will remain employed by the club in a different capacity, he has relinquished his coaching responsibilities.
In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last has been promoted to interim head coach and will steer the squad through the remainder of the current campaign. Meanwhile, Steve McNamara will fulfil his existing obligations as an assistant coach at Warrington Wolves for the balance of the 2026 season before transitioning to his new post at Hull.
McNamara’s connection to Hull runs deep. He grew up supporting the club, progressed through its junior development system, and later amassed more than 160 senior appearances for the Tigers between 1989 and 1996. His playing career was distinguished, featuring caps for both England and Great Britain, and earning him a reputation as a reliable and versatile forward during a golden era for the club. After hanging up his boots, McNamara embarked on a coaching journey that has spanned two decades and several continents.
He cut his teeth in the English Super League with the Bradford Bulls, before moving to the Catalans Dragons in France, where he cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most astute tacticians. His résumé also includes a stint as head coach of the England national side, as well as valuable experience in the Australian NRL, where he served as an assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters and later the New Zealand Warriors. While at Catalans, McNamara guided the French outfit through its most successful period to date. Under his stewardship the Dragons captured a Challenge Cup victory, secured a League Leaders’ Shield, and reached two Super League Grand Finals – milestones that underscored his ability to build competitive, high‑performing squads.
His success in France demonstrated a knack for extracting the best from limited resources and fostering a winning culture, attributes that Hull FC hope will translate into sustained success when he arrives. Hull FC’s chief executive, Richie Myler, expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming appointment: "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." Myler highlighted both McNamara’s pedigree and his emotional ties to the region, suggesting that the partnership could reignite the club’s ambitions.
Chairman Andrew Thirkill echoed this sentiment, stating: "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." Thirkill’s comments underline the strategic intent of the board: to leverage McNamara’s extensive coaching experience to construct a squad that can challenge for titles on a regular basis.
The transition also provides continuity for the playing group. Andy Last, who has been part of the coaching set‑up for several seasons, will maintain stability on a day‑to‑day basis while the club prepares for McNamara’s arrival. This dual‑track approach ensures that the team remains focused on the immediate objectives of the current season while laying the groundwork for a longer‑term vision.
Beyond the coaching changes, the broader context of the Super League remains dynamic. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will continue to broadcast every match of the competition live throughout the season, offering two exclusive live fixtures per round and covering the remaining five games each week on its main channel. This comprehensive coverage guarantees that fans can follow Hull FC’s progress, whether under interim leadership or once McNamara takes the helm.
In summary, the departure of John Cartwright marks the end of one chapter for Hull FC, while the appointment of Steve McNamara signals the beginning of another. With a coach who boasts a deep personal affinity for the club, a proven track record of success across multiple leagues, and a clear vision for building a competitive side, Hull FC’s hierarchy appears confident that the team is poised to ascend the Super League hierarchy in the coming years. The interim period under Andy Last will serve as a bridge, ensuring that the squad remains competitive while the foundations for McNamara’s future tenure are carefully laid.