John Cartwright has emerged as one of several candidates being evaluated by the Huddersfield Giants as the club searches for a permanent replacement for former head coach Luke Robinson. Robinson’s tenure came to an abrupt end at the Accu Stadium in late March after the Giants suffered five consecutive defeats in the Super League, prompting the board to make a change at the helm. In the wake of Robinson’s dismissal, interim coach Liam Finn stepped in to steer the side and has since expressed his desire to secure the role on a full‑time basis.
Yet the club’s director of rugby, Andy Kelly, has confirmed that the shortlist also includes the experienced former Hull FC boss John Cartwright, who recently stepped down after Hull announced that his contract would not be renewed at the close of the season. During a conversation on The Bench podcast with hosts Jenna and Jon, Kelly offered insight into the selection process. He admitted that the Giants have been "obsessively" reviewing a long list of potential coaches, gradually narrowing the field to a handful of individuals who fit the club’s strategic vision. "I’m heavily involved in the background work – researching each candidate, assessing how their philosophy aligns with what we want to achieve, and then presenting those findings to the board," he explained.
When asked specifically about Cartwright, Kelly noted that the former Hull coach may not even be actively looking for his next appointment. "He’s probably finishing his coffee and taking a breath right now. He’s a high‑profile coach, and we’ll be doing thorough due diligence before making any move. We can’t simply dismiss someone who might be available, just as we can’t ignore a candidate who is genuinely interested," Kelly said.
The Giants currently sit near the bottom of the Super League table, occupying the third‑from‑bottom spot after just two victories from eight matches this season. Their recent 56‑22 home loss to Leeds Rhinos highlighted the urgency of finding a leader who can reverse the club’s fortunes. Kelly emphasized that the appointment must be made with care, as it will shape the direction of the organization for years to come. "I’m looking for a coach who has a clear vision for the next two to four years, someone who understands where we are right now and appreciates the club’s role in the community and the wider game," Kelly said.
He added that while the Giants cherish their historic roots – they were among the pioneers of rugby league in Huddersfield – they cannot rely solely on that legacy to succeed in the modern era. "We need a coach who combines technical and tactical expertise with strong man‑management skills," he continued.
Kelly described the recruitment phase as a "defining moment" for the club. "This is a point where we can reshape what we’re capable of achieving moving forward. The head‑coach appointment carries massive responsibility for everyone involved," he asserted.
Rather than issuing a formal application process, the Giants opted to solicit expressions of interest, allowing them to approach coaches who might not have considered Huddersfield a viable destination. This two‑way approach, Kelly explained, helps gauge mutual interest and ensures that any potential hire feels confident about the club’s ambitions. One of the complexities Kelly highlighted is the need to align the coaching appointment with the club’s broader player‑recruitment strategy. "We want to make sure that whoever comes in is comfortable with the type of players we plan to bring in," he said.
This alignment has slightly delayed the timeline, as the board does not wish to announce a new head coach until they are certain the candidate will have input into, and support for, the recruitment plan. "We could approach someone who ultimately turns us down, so it would be premature to name names at this stage," Kelly warned.
In summary, the Huddersfield Giants are conducting a meticulous search for a new head coach, with John Cartwright among the leading prospects. The club aims to appoint a visionary leader who can blend tactical acumen with effective team management, while also fitting into a longer‑term recruitment framework that will bolster the squad’s competitiveness. As the Giants continue to struggle in the league, the pressure mounts for a decisive appointment that can restore confidence among supporters and re‑establish the team as a force in Super League rugby. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match this season, offering fans extensive coverage of the Giants’ progress as the club works toward securing its next head coach.