John Cartwright has officially resigned from his position as head coach of Hull FC, effective immediately, paving the way for Steve McNamara to assume the role starting in the 2027 season. The announcement was made jointly by Hull FC and Warrington Wolves, confirming that a formal agreement has been reached for McNamara to become the club’s new head coach for the Betfred Super League campaign that begins in 2027. While Cartwright will remain on the club’s payroll as an employee, he will no longer be involved in the day‑to‑day 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 season until a permanent solution is in place.
McNamara, who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Warrington Wolves, will fulfill his duties there through the conclusion of the 2026 campaign before making the move back to his hometown club. The decision has been welcomed by both clubs and fans alike, as it signals a long‑term strategic plan for Hull FC.
Steve McNamara’s connection to Hull runs deep. He grew up in the city, progressed through the club’s junior system, and later made more than 160 senior appearances for the first team between 1989 and 1996.
During his playing career he earned caps for both England and Great Britain, establishing himself as a respected figure on the international stage. After hanging up his boots, McNamara transitioned into coaching and has built an impressive résumé over the past two decades. He has held senior coaching positions with the Bradford Bulls, Catalans Dragons, and the England national side.
In addition, he spent valuable time in the Australian NRL, serving as an assistant coach for both the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors, experiences that broadened his tactical outlook and honed his leadership skills. His tenure with the Catalans Dragons in the south of France stands out as a particularly successful period. Under his guidance, the Dragons enjoyed their most prosperous era, capturing a Challenge Cup final victory, securing the League Leaders' Shield, and reaching two Super League Grand Finals. These achievements cemented McNamara’s reputation as one of the game’s leading tacticians and a coach capable of extracting peak performances from his squads.
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 transition also has practical implications for the coaching staff. With Cartwright stepping aside, Andy Last will now oversee training sessions, match preparation, and tactical decisions for the rest of the season. This temporary arrangement gives the club continuity while allowing McNamara to complete his commitments at Warrington and prepare a comprehensive plan for the 2027 season.
Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video player experience when watching club-related content online, ensuring accessibility and smooth playback. Looking ahead, Hull FC aims to leverage McNamara’s extensive experience to rebuild a squad that can challenge for honours on a regular basis. The club’s leadership believes that his blend of domestic success, international exposure, and personal ties to Hull will foster a strong culture of ambition and professionalism. In addition to the coaching changes, the club highlighted that Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season.
Each round will feature two matches shown exclusively live, while the remaining five fixtures will also be available via the Sky Sports+ platform, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the league’s action. Overall, the departure of Cartwright and the forthcoming arrival of McNamara represent a significant shift in Hull FC’s strategic direction.
The club is poised to enter a new era, guided by a coach who not only possesses a distinguished track record but also shares a deep-rooted connection to the city and its supporters. The coming months will be crucial as the interim coaching team maintains stability, and preparations for the 2027 season gather momentum.