John Cartwright has emerged as one of several candidates being examined by the Huddersfield Giants as the club searches for a permanent, long‑term successor to former head coach 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 board to make a swift change in leadership. In the wake of Robinson’s dismissal, interim coach Liam Finn stepped in to steer the Giants on a temporary basis. Finn, who was already part of the coaching staff, has since expressed his ambition to secure the position on a full‑time basis, adding his name to the growing shortlist of potential appointments.
Andy Kelly, Huddersfield’s director of rugby, disclosed that the shortlist also includes John Cartwright. Cartwright, who recently stepped down as head coach of Hull FC after the club announced his departure at the conclusion of the season, is now being seriously considered for the Giants’ top job. During an appearance on The Bench podcast with presenters Jenna and Jon, Kelly explained the thoroughness of the club’s search process.
"We’ve been looking at a long list of coaches – probably obsessively – and it’s now being narrowed down," Kelly said. "There are a few individuals we’re particularly interested in. I’ve been heavily involved in the background work, researching each candidate, assessing how their philosophy and style would fit with what we want to achieve, and then presenting those findings to the board." When asked specifically about Cartwright, Kelly added a touch of humor and insight: "He probably isn’t even thinking about his next job right now.
He’s been linked with every vacancy that’s popped up. I imagine John is currently sipping his coffee, taking a breath, and trying not to get overwhelmed by the speculation." Kelly emphasized that the Giants are conducting due diligence on every potential hire.
"We can’t simply dismiss a coach who might be available, just as we can’t ignore someone who isn’t. It’s about covering the whole spectrum and not rushing a decision that will shape the club’s future," he noted. The Giants are currently languishing near the bottom of the Super League table, sitting third from last after only two wins from eight matches.
Their recent 56‑22 home loss to Leeds Rhinos highlighted the urgency of finding a leader who can reverse the club’s fortunes. Kelly spoke at length about the qualities the Giants are seeking in a new head coach.
"I want a coach with a clear vision for the next two to four years, someone who understands where we stand today and recognises the club’s deep roots in the community and its role in the wider game," he explained. "We were pioneers of rugby league in Huddersfield, but we can’t rely on that legacy forever. We need a forward‑looking plan that respects our history while charting a new course." Technical expertise and tactical acumen are, of course, essential, but Kelly stressed that the role demands strong man‑management skills as well. "A coach must be able to develop game plans, but also to motivate, mentor, and manage a diverse group of players," he said.
"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." Rather than issuing a traditional application process, the Giants invited expressions of interest from coaches.
Kelly clarified that this approach is a two‑way street: "By asking for expressions of interest, we can reach out to coaches who might not have considered Huddersfield a viable option and gauge whether they see a mutual fit." One of the complicating factors in the recruitment timeline has been the need to align the prospective coach’s recruitment philosophy with the club’s player‑signing strategy. Kelly admitted this has slowed the process slightly. "We want to ensure that any coach we appoint is comfortable with the type of players we plan to bring in.
The coach will have a say in recruitment, and we won’t announce the appointment until we’re confident the two are aligned," he said. He also warned that the club could approach a candidate who ultimately declines the offer, which would require a fresh round of negotiations. "It would be premature to name names before we have a firm commitment," Kelly cautioned. Looking ahead, Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match this season, with two fixtures each round shown live exclusively and the remaining games available throughout the week.
This increased exposure adds further pressure on the Giants to appoint a head coach who can deliver results and keep fans engaged. In summary, Huddersfield Giants are undertaking a meticulous and strategic search for a new head coach. John Cartwright, fresh from his tenure at Hull FC, is a prominent name on the shortlist, but the club remains open to other candidates who can demonstrate a clear vision, community awareness, tactical know‑how, and strong leadership qualities. The decision will not be rushed; instead, it will be the product of careful research, alignment with recruitment plans, and a commitment to restoring the Giants to a competitive position in the Super League.