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 boss Luke Robinson. Robinson’s tenure came to an abrupt end at the Accu Stadium in late March after the team suffered five straight defeats in the Super League, prompting the board to part ways with him. In the wake of Robinson’s departure, interim coach Liam Finn stepped in to steer the Giants and has since put his own name forward for the full‑time position.
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 announcement that his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season. During an appearance on The Bench podcast with hosts Jenna and Jon, Kelly explained the exhaustive nature of the search. “We have a list of coaches that we are definitely looking at – probably obsessively looking at,” he said.
“It started as a long list and we are now narrowing it down. There are a few individuals we are particularly interested in.” Kelly also described his personal involvement in the process, noting that he has been conducting much of the background research and analysis to determine which candidate would best fit the Giants’ strategic vision. He then presents his findings to the board for final approval.
When asked specifically about Cartwright, Kelly added: “He may not even be thinking about his next job at the moment. He’s been linked with a number of vacancies recently.
I imagine John is probably finishing his coffee, taking a breath, and waiting to see what comes next.” Kelly emphasized that Cartwright is a high‑profile coach and that the club will carry out thorough due‑diligence before making any decision. “We can’t simply dismiss a coach who might be available, just as we can’t ignore someone who is effectively on the market,” Kelly said. The Giants are currently languishing near the bottom of the Super League table, sitting third from last after winning just two of their eight matches this season.
Their most recent defeat was a humbling 56‑22 loss at home to the Leeds Rhinos, underscoring the urgency of finding a leader who can turn the tide. Kelly spoke at length about what the club is looking for in a new head coach.
He wants someone who can articulate a clear vision for the next two to four years, someone who understands the Giants’ current position and the importance of the club’s role within the local community and the wider game. “We were part of the very origins of rugby league in Huddersfield, but we can’t rely on that heritage forever,” he explained. “We need a coach who respects our history while also having a forward‑looking plan.” According to Kelly, the ideal candidate must possess both technical and tactical expertise and demonstrate strong team‑management skills. “This is a defining moment in the club’s history – a point where we can reshape what we are capable of achieving moving forward.
The appointment of a head coach carries massive responsibility for everyone involved,” he said. Rather than issuing a formal application process, the Giants opted to request expressions of interest from potential candidates. Kelly clarified that this approach allows for a two‑way conversation: the club can approach coaches who may not have considered Huddersfield a viable option, while also gauging whether the coaches view the club as an attractive destination. He also highlighted how the recruitment of players is now being aligned with the potential coaching appointment, which has lengthened the timeline for finalising the head‑coach role.
“We want to ensure that whichever coach we appoint is comfortable with the type of players we intend to bring in,” Kelly noted. “The coach will have a say in recruitment, and we will only make an announcement once we have identified the right match between coach and squad.” Kelly admitted that the process can be delicate because the club may approach a coach who ultimately declines the offer. “It would be premature to name anyone now,” he warned, emphasizing the need for discretion until a firm decision is reached. Looking ahead, Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League game live this season, with two matches per round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five matches available across its broader coverage.
This increased exposure adds further pressure on the Giants to secure a coach who can deliver competitive performances and engage the growing television audience. In summary, the Huddersfield Giants are conducting a meticulous and strategic search for a new head coach, with John Cartwright among the prominent names under consideration. The club’s leadership is focused on finding a visionary figure who can blend respect for the team’s storied past with innovative tactics and robust player recruitment, all while navigating the challenges of a demanding season and heightened media scrutiny.