John Cartwright has emerged as one of several names being examined by the Huddersfield Giants as they search for a permanent replacement for former boss Luke Robinson. Robinson’s tenure came to an abrupt end at the Accu Stadium in late March after the team suffered five consecutive defeats in the Super League, prompting the club to part ways with him. In the wake of Robinson’s dismissal, interim coach Liam Finn stepped in to steer the side and has since put his own name forward for the full‑time role. However, the club’s director of rugby, Andy Kelly, disclosed that the shortlist also includes Cartwright, who recently stepped down as head coach of Hull FC following the club’s decision that he would depart at the conclusion of the season.
During an appearance on The Bench podcast with hosts Jenna and Jon, Kelly explained the breadth of the search. “We’ve been looking at a long list of coaches – probably obsessively – and it’s gradually narrowing. There are a few individuals we’re genuinely interested in,” he said.
Kelly added that he has been heavily involved in the background research, assessing which candidates would best fit the Giants’ long‑term vision and then presenting his findings to the board of directors. When asked specifically about Cartwright, Kelly noted, “He may not even be thinking about his next role at the moment.
He’s been linked to every vacancy that’s come up. I imagine John is probably sipping his coffee, taking a breath, and waiting to see what comes next.” Kelly emphasized that Cartwright is a “profile coach” who will undergo thorough due‑diligence and background checks before any decision is made. “We can’t simply dismiss a coach who might be available, just as we can’t ignore someone who is truly interested,” Kelly said.
“It’s about covering the whole sphere and not rushing the decision.” The Giants currently sit third from bottom in the Super League table, having secured only two wins from eight matches this season. Their recent 56‑22 loss at home to Leeds Rhinos underscored the urgency of finding a leader who can reverse the club’s fortunes. Kelly used the opportunity to outline the qualities the Giants are seeking in a new head coach. “I’m looking for someone with a clear vision for the next two to four years, someone who understands where we are now and recognises the club’s importance to the community and to the sport,” he explained.
He continued, “We were pioneers of rugby league in Huddersfield, but we can’t rely on that heritage forever. We need a coach who respects our history while charting a realistic path forward.” Kelly stressed that the ideal candidate must possess both technical and tactical expertise and the ability to manage a squad effectively. “This is a defining moment in the club’s history – a chance to reshape what we can achieve.
The appointment of a head coach is a massive responsibility for everyone involved.” The recruitment process, according to Kelly, has been deliberately structured to attract genuine interest rather than a flood of formal applications. “We asked for expressions of interest, which is a two‑way conversation. It allows us to reach out to coaches who might not have considered us a viable option and see if they are interested in what we have to offer.” This approach, he said, has helped the Giants identify coaches whose philosophies align with the club’s strategic plans, particularly regarding player recruitment. One of the complexities Kelly highlighted is the need for alignment between the future head coach and the club’s player‑signing strategy.
“We’ve slowed the process a little because we want to ensure that whoever we appoint is comfortable with the type of players we intend to bring in,” he said. “The coach will have a say in recruitment, and we won’t announce anything until we know who that person is.” Kelly cautioned that the club could approach a candidate who might ultimately decline, so premature naming would be inappropriate.
In summary, the Huddersfield Giants are conducting a meticulous and measured search for a head coach who can guide the team out of its current slump, rebuild its competitive edge, and strengthen its ties to the local community. John Cartwright remains a prominent figure on the shortlist, but the final decision will hinge on a comprehensive assessment of each candidate’s vision, tactical acumen, leadership qualities, and compatibility with the club’s broader recruitment and development plans.
The Giants hope that the eventual appointment will mark the beginning of a new, more successful chapter for the storied franchise.