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 clubs involved—Hull FC and the Warrington Wolves—have jointly announced that a formal agreement is now in place, confirming McNamara’s appointment as the new leader of Hull’s first‑team squad for the upcoming campaign.
While Cartwright will remain on the club’s payroll in a different capacity, he has relinquished all head‑coaching responsibilities. In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last has been elevated to the position of caretaker head coach and will steer the team through the remainder of the current season until a permanent solution is fully implemented. McNamara, who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Warrington Wolves, will continue in that capacity for the balance of the 2026 season before transitioning to Hull FC. His move marks a return to the club where his rugby league journey began.
As a youngster, McNamara progressed through Hull’s junior development system, eventually breaking into the senior side and amassing more than 160 first‑team appearances between 1989 and 1996. During his playing days he also earned caps for both England and Great Britain, establishing himself as a respected international talent. Beyond his playing pedigree, McNamara has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches over the past twenty years.
His résumé includes successful stints with the Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons, as well as a period guiding the England national team. He has also ventured into the Australian NRL, contributing as an assistant coach for the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors, experiences that have broadened his tactical outlook and leadership style. Perhaps the most notable chapter of his coaching career unfolded during his tenure with the Catalans Dragons in the south of France.
Under his direction, the Dragons experienced an unprecedented era of success, capturing a Challenge Cup final victory, securing the League Leaders’ Shield, and reaching two Super League Grand Finals. These achievements cemented his status as a visionary strategist capable of extracting peak performance from his squads. Hull FC’s chief executive, Richie Myler, expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming partnership, 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 transition also has practical implications for the coaching staff. Andy Last, who has been a trusted member of the coaching team, will now shoulder the full responsibilities of head coach on a temporary basis.
This arrangement ensures continuity for the players while the club finalises longer‑term strategic plans under McNamara’s guidance. From a broader perspective, the move reflects Hull FC’s ambition to re‑establish itself as a perennial contender in the Super League. By securing a coach with deep ties to the club and a proven track record of success both domestically and internationally, the organization hopes to foster a culture of excellence, develop emerging talent, and deliver sustained on‑field results. Fans can look forward to seeing McNamara’s influence manifest in several key areas: a more dynamic attacking style, disciplined defensive structures, and an emphasis on player development pathways that nurture home‑grown prospects.
His familiarity with the Hull community and understanding of the club’s heritage are expected to resonate strongly with supporters, potentially boosting engagement and attendance. In terms of media coverage, Sky Sports has confirmed that it will continue to broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season. The network will provide exclusive live coverage of two fixtures per round, with the remaining five games each week also available on Sky Sports+, ensuring that supporters have ample opportunity to follow Hull FC’s progress under the new coaching regime.
Overall, the appointment of Steve McNamara represents a strategic investment in leadership that aligns with Hull FC’s long‑term vision. While Cartwright’s departure marks the end of one chapter, it simultaneously opens the door for a new era defined by seasoned expertise, local connection, and a clear ambition to compete at the highest level of the sport.