John Cartwright has emerged as one of the front‑runners on the Huddersfield Giants' shortlist as the club searches for a permanent, long‑term successor to former boss Luke Robinson. Robinson’s tenure came to an abrupt end at the Accu Stadium in late March after the side endured a streak of five consecutive Super League defeats, prompting the board to part ways with him. In the immediate aftermath, interim coach Liam Finn stepped in to steady the ship and has since put his own name forward as a candidate for the full‑time position. However, according to Huddersfield’s Director of Rugby, Andy Kelly, the list of potential appointments is broader and includes several high‑profile names, with Cartwright being a particularly intriguing option.
During an appearance on The Bench podcast with Jenna and Jon, Kelly explained the depth and intensity of the search. “We have been looking at a long list of coaches – arguably obsessively – and it’s now being narrowed down,” he said.
“There are a few individuals we are especially interested in, and I have been heavily involved in the background research, assessing where each coach might fit with the vision we are trying to build, before presenting those recommendations to the board.” Kelly went on to discuss Cartwright’s situation in more detail. “John probably hasn’t even thought about his next role yet. He’s been linked with every vacancy that’s come up, but at this moment he might just be sipping his coffee, taking a breath,” Kelly remarked. “He is a high‑profile coach, and we intend to conduct thorough due‑diligence on him, just as we would with any other candidate.
We can’t simply dismiss someone who might be available, nor can we ignore a coach who is genuinely interested.” The Giants currently sit near the bottom of the Super League table – third from last – after securing only two wins from eight matches this season. Their recent 56‑22 loss at home to the Leeds Rhinos underscored the urgency of finding a leader who can reverse the club’s fortunes.
Kelly highlighted that the recruitment process is not just about ticking a box; it is about finding a person who shares the club’s long‑term aspirations and understands its deep roots in the Huddersfield community. "I am looking for a coach with a clear vision for the next two to four years, someone who recognises where we stand today and appreciates the club’s importance both locally and within the broader game," Kelly said. "We were pioneers of rugby league in Huddersfield, but we can’t rely on history alone.
We must first understand our current position before charting a future direction." Technical expertise and tactical acumen are, of course, essential, but Kelly stressed that the ideal candidate must also possess strong man‑management skills. "A coach needs to blend strategic knowledge with the ability to get the best out of a squad. This is a defining moment for the club – a chance to reshape what we can achieve moving forward.
The appointment carries massive responsibility for everyone involved," he added. Rather than issuing a traditional application process, Huddersfield opted for an “expressions of interest” approach.
This method, Kelly explained, is a two‑way street: it allows the club to reach out to coaches who might not have considered Huddersfield a viable option, while also gauging whether those coaches see the club as an attractive destination. By inviting interest rather than formal applications, the Giants can engage in more open dialogue and assess fit on both sides.
One complicating factor in the timeline is the alignment of the head‑coach appointment with the club’s player recruitment strategy. Kelly noted that the two processes are intertwined, as the incoming coach will have a say in the types of players the Giants target.
"Because we want the coach to feel comfortable with the recruitment plan, it has slowed the process a little,” he said. “We need to ensure that whoever we bring in is on board with the players we intend to sign, and vice versa.” He also warned that the club might approach a coach who ultimately declines the offer, which would necessitate further confidentiality. "It would be premature to name anyone publicly until we have a confirmed acceptance," Kelly cautioned. Looking ahead, Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two fixtures each round shown exclusively on the channel and the remaining five matches streamed on Sky Sports+.
This increased exposure adds another layer of pressure on the Giants to appoint a head coach who can deliver competitive performances and engage a growing audience. In summary, the Huddersfield Giants are conducting a meticulous and strategic search for a new head coach. John Cartwright, fresh from his departure as Hull FC’s head coach, is a prominent name on the list, but the club is equally weighing other candidates, including interim boss Liam Finn.
The decision will hinge on a blend of tactical expertise, community alignment, and the ability to shape the squad for the coming years. As the Giants strive to climb out of the relegation zone, the forthcoming appointment could prove pivotal in redefining the club’s trajectory and restoring its status as a competitive force in the Super League.