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 beginning with the 2027 Betfred Super League campaign. The transition was confirmed jointly by Hull FC and the Warrington Wolves, who announced that a formal agreement has been reached for McNamara to take the reins at Hull FC starting in 2027. While Cartwright will remain employed by the club in a different capacity, he has relinquished his day‑to‑day coaching responsibilities. In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last has been promoted to interim head coach and will oversee the squad for the remainder of the current season.
This short‑term arrangement ensures continuity while the club finalises its longer‑term strategic plan. McNamara, who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Warrington Wolves, will continue in that role for the rest of the 2026 season before moving to Hull. His upcoming move is especially poignant because Hull FC is the club where he grew up, progressed through the junior ranks, and eventually made a name for himself as a player. Between 1989 and 1996, McNamara amassed more than 160 senior appearances for Hull, earning a reputation as a reliable and hard‑working forward.
His on‑field achievements were complemented by international honours, as he represented both England and Great Britain during his playing career. Beyond his playing days, McNamara has built a distinguished coaching résumé that spans over two decades. He has held senior coaching positions with several high‑profile organisations, including the Bradford Bulls and the Catalans Dragons, as well as a stint as head coach of the England national side.
In addition, he gained valuable experience in the Australian NRL, serving as an assistant coach for the Sydney Roosters and later the New Zealand Warriors. These varied roles have given him a broad perspective on the game and a deep understanding of different playing styles and organisational cultures.
McNamara’s tenure with the Catalans Dragons in the south of France stands out as a period of remarkable success. Under his guidance, the Dragons enjoyed their most prosperous era to date, capturing a Challenge Cup final victory, securing the League Leaders' Shield, and reaching the Super League Grand Final on two occasions.
Those achievements cemented his reputation as one of the leading coaches in the sport and demonstrated his ability to build winning teams in challenging environments. 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 emphasised that McNamara’s deep ties to Hull, combined with his extensive coaching pedigree, make him uniquely suited to guide the team through the next chapter of its development. They anticipate that his return will not only boost the squad’s performance on the field but also strengthen the connection between the club and its passionate fan base. In the short term, Andy Last will steer the team through the remaining fixtures of the season, ensuring that the players remain focused and competitive while the transition plan is executed. This interim period also provides an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the squad’s strengths and identify areas for improvement ahead of McNamara’s arrival.
Fans are encouraged to watch the upcoming matches via Sky Sports, which will broadcast every Super League game live throughout the season. The coverage includes two exclusive live matches each round, with the remaining five fixtures shown on the broader Sky Sports platform, guaranteeing comprehensive access for supporters. Overall, the announcement marks a significant moment in Hull FC’s history, signalling a clear strategic direction and a commitment to long‑term success.
With Cartwright stepping aside, McNamara poised to return to his hometown club, and a clear plan for the interim period, the organization appears well‑positioned to embark on a new era of competitiveness and ambition in the Super League.