John Cartwright has emerged as one of the frontrunners 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 swift change at the top of the coaching ladder. In the immediate aftermath, assistant coach Liam Finn stepped into an interim leadership position. Finn, who has been part of the coaching staff for several seasons, has also put his own name forward for consideration as the long‑term head coach.
While Finn enjoys the support of many within the playing group, the Giants’ director of rugby, Andy Kelly, has confirmed that the shortlist extends beyond internal candidates and now includes external options such as John Cartwright. Cartwright, a seasoned figure in the rugby league coaching fraternity, most recently served as the head coach of Hull FC. He stepped down from that role after Hull announced that his contract would not be extended beyond the current season. Since then, Cartwright has been linked to a number of vacancies across the league, and Huddersfield appears keen to assess whether his experience and coaching philosophy align with the club’s future ambitions.
During a recent appearance on "The Bench" podcast with hosts Jenna and Jon, Kelly elaborated on the rigorous selection process. "We have a long list of potential coaches and we’ve been looking at it obsessively," Kelly said. "The list is gradually narrowing as we identify those who fit the profile we’re after.
I’m heavily involved in the background research, evaluating each candidate’s track record, their tactical approach, and how well they might integrate with our broader vision for the club. Once I have a clear picture, I present my findings to the board for final approval." When asked specifically about Cartwright, Kelly added a measured assessment: "John is probably not even thinking about his next job at this moment. He’s been linked to a number of positions, but he likely needs a moment to finish his coffee and take a breath. He is a high‑profile coach and we will conduct thorough due diligence before making any decisions.
We can’t simply dismiss a candidate who might be available, just as we can’t ignore a coach who is genuinely interested and a good fit." The Giants are currently struggling in the Super League, sitting third from the bottom after securing only two wins from eight matches. Their recent 56‑22 home loss to Leeds Rhinos highlighted the defensive frailties and lack of consistency that have plagued the side this season.
These results have intensified the urgency for a strategic appointment that can reverse the club’s fortunes. Kelly explained why the recruitment timeline has stretched longer than initially anticipated. "We asked for expressions of interest rather than formal applications," he said.
"This approach allows us to reach out to coaches who may not have considered Huddersfield a viable option and gauge whether there is mutual interest. It’s a two‑way street, and it gives us a broader pool of talent to evaluate." He also stressed the importance of aligning the coaching appointment with the club’s player recruitment strategy. "We want to ensure that any coach we bring in is comfortable with the type of players we plan to sign," Kelly noted.
"The coach will have a significant say in recruitment, and we need that synergy before we announce the appointment. If we approach someone who then declines, it would be a waste of time and resources, so we’re being very deliberate." Looking ahead, Kelly outlined the attributes the Giants are seeking in a new head coach. "We need someone with a clear vision for the next two to four years, someone who understands where we are now and the role the club plays in the community and the sport at large," he said.
"Technical and tactical knowledge is essential, but so is the ability to manage a squad, inspire players, and engage with fans. This is a defining moment in the club’s history – a chance to reshape what we can achieve moving forward.
The coach we appoint will carry a massive responsibility, not just on the field but in shaping the club’s culture and long‑term direction." If Cartwright is ultimately selected, he would inherit a team in need of rebuilding, a coaching staff undergoing transition, and a fan base eager for improvement. His previous experience guiding Hull FC through both highs and lows could prove valuable as he works to instill discipline, develop attacking structures, and foster a resilient mindset within the Giants squad. The Giants’ board remains committed to a thorough and transparent process, emphasizing that the right appointment will be made when all pieces align.
In the meantime, Huddersfield will continue to compete in the Super League, with every match broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering supporters the chance to watch the team’s progress as the club navigates this pivotal period.