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 beginning with the 2027 Betfred Super League campaign. The decision was confirmed jointly by Hull FC and the Warrington Wolves, who announced that an agreement has been reached for McNamara to become the club’s new senior coach for the 2027 season.
While Cartwright will remain on the club’s payroll in a different capacity, he has relinquished the day‑to‑day responsibilities of leading the first‑team squad. 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 campaign.
McNamara, meanwhile, will finish the 2026 season as an assistant coach with the Warrington Wolves before making the move back to his hometown club. The former Hull junior, who rose through the ranks at the club’s academy, enjoyed a distinguished playing career that spanned from 1989 to 1996. During that period he amassed more than 160 senior appearances for Hull FC and earned caps for both England and Great Britain, cementing his status as a respected figure in the sport.
Beyond his playing days, McNamara has built an impressive coaching résumé that stretches across two decades and several continents. 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 includes time in the Australian NRL, where he served as an assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors. While at Catalans Dragons in the south of France, McNamara guided the team through its most successful era, delivering a Challenge Cup final victory, securing a League Leaders’ Shield, and reaching two Super League Grand Final showdowns.
Hull FC’s chief executive Richie Myler expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming 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 transition also highlights the club’s strategic planning for the future. By securing McNamara well in advance of the 2027 season, Hull FC aims to give the new coach ample time to assess the squad, influence recruitment, and embed his playing philosophy.
This forward‑looking approach is intended to provide continuity and stability, allowing the club to build a competitive side that can challenge for honors on a regular basis. In the short term, Andy Last will oversee training sessions, match preparations, and tactical decisions until the season concludes. His interim tenure offers a bridge between Cartwright’s departure and McNamara’s arrival, ensuring that the players experience minimal disruption.
The coaching staff as a whole will continue to work closely with the club’s management to maintain performance standards and keep the team focused on achieving its immediate objectives. Fans have been encouraged to access the club’s multimedia content using the Chrome browser for an optimal viewing experience, as noted in the official announcement. This technical recommendation underscores the club’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, accessible media to its supporters.
Looking ahead, the 2027 season promises to be a pivotal chapter for Hull FC. With McNamara’s deep ties to the club, his extensive coaching background, and a clear mandate to elevate the team’s standards, there is a palpable sense of optimism among the board, staff, and supporters. The combination of seasoned leadership, strategic recruitment, and a renewed focus on player development is expected to position Hull FC as a serious contender in the Super League hierarchy.
Additionally, the broadcasting arrangement with Sky Sports remains unchanged, with the network slated to broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season. Two games each round will be shown exclusively live, while the remaining five fixtures will also be available via Sky Sports+, ensuring fans have comprehensive access to the action.
In summary, John Cartwright’s immediate resignation marks the end of one era, while the confirmed appointment of Steve McNamara for 2027 signals the beginning of another. The club’s leadership has articulated a clear vision: to harness McNamara’s expertise, nurture home‑grown talent, and construct a squad capable of sustained success in the elite competition. The interim period under Andy Last will serve as a transitional phase, maintaining continuity as the club prepares for the next strategic leap forward.