John Cartwright has emerged as one of several candidates being examined by the Huddersfield Giants as the club searches for a permanent, long‑term replacement for Luke Robinson. Robinson’s tenure at the Accu Stadium came to an abrupt end at the close of March after the Giants suffered five consecutive defeats in the Super League, prompting the board to relieve him of his duties. In the wake of Robinson’s departure, interim coach Liam Finn stepped in to steer the side and has since expressed a desire to be considered for the full‑time position.
Meanwhile, Huddersfield’s director of rugby, Andy Kelly, disclosed that the shortlist also includes former Hull FC head coach John Cartwright, who recently stepped down after Hull announced that he would be leaving 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. He said, "We have a long list of coaches that we are looking at – probably obsessively – and it is gradually being narrowed down.
There are a few individuals we are particularly interested in. I am heavily involved in the background work, conducting research and assessing which coach would fit best with the vision we are trying to build, before presenting those options to the board." When asked specifically about Cartwright, Kelly added, "He may not even be thinking about his next job at the moment. He’s been linked to every vacancy that’s come up.
I imagine John is probably sipping his coffee, taking a breath, and waiting to see what comes next. He is a high‑profile coach and we will carry out thorough due‑diligence and background checks. We cannot simply dismiss a candidate who might be available, just as we cannot ignore someone who is truly unattainable. It’s about covering every angle and not rushing the decision." The Giants currently sit third from bottom in the Super League table, having recorded only two wins from eight games this season.
Their recent form includes a heavy 56‑22 home loss to Leeds Rhinos, underscoring the urgency of appointing a leader who can reverse the club’s fortunes. Kelly elaborated on what the club is looking for in a head coach. "I need someone with a clear vision for where the team should be in the next two to four years, someone who understands our current situation and recognises the importance of the club to the local community and to the sport as a whole," he said. He continued, "Huddersfield was one of the birthplaces of rugby league, but we cannot rely solely on that heritage forever.
We must first understand where the club stands today before we can chart a realistic path forward." 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 has to know the game inside out, but they also need the ability to motivate and organise a group of players.
This is a defining moment in the club’s history – a point where we can reshape what we are capable of achieving in the future. The appointment of a head coach carries massive responsibility for everyone involved." The recruitment process has been deliberately structured to attract genuine interest rather than a flood of formal applications.
"We asked for expressions of interest, which is a two‑way street. It allowed us to approach coaches who might not have considered Huddersfield a viable option and see if we are of interest to them," Kelly explained. This approach has also meant that the club’s player‑recruitment strategy is being aligned with any potential coaching appointment, a factor that has extended the timeline. "We want to ensure that whoever we bring in feels comfortable with the players we plan to sign," Kelly said.
"The coach will have a say in recruitment, and we will only make an announcement once we have identified the right person and confirmed that they are on board with our player‑acquisition plans. It would be unwise to name candidates publicly before we know whether they would accept the role." The Giants are also mindful of the broader context of the Super League season, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with two matches per round shown exclusively live and the remaining five matches streamed each week. The heightened visibility adds pressure to make a prudent decision that will satisfy both supporters and stakeholders.
In summary, the Huddersfield Giants are conducting a meticulous and comprehensive search for a new head coach. Their shortlist includes John Cartwright, a respected figure who recently left Hull FC, and Liam Finn, the interim manager who wishes to stay on permanently.
The club is looking for a visionary leader who can blend tactical knowledge, player management, and community awareness to guide the team out of its current slump and lay the foundations for sustained success over the next several years. The process remains ongoing, with the final appointment expected to be announced once the board is confident that the chosen candidate aligns with both the coaching philosophy and the recruitment strategy that will shape the Giants’ future.