John Cartwright has emerged as one of the frontrunners in the Huddersfield Giants' search for a permanent head coach, a vacancy created after the club dismissed Luke Robinson at the close of March following a string of five consecutive Super League defeats. In the interim, former player Liam Finn stepped in to steer the side and has now formally put his name forward for the full‑time position.
However, the Giants' director of rugby, Andy Kelly, confirmed that the shortlist also includes Cartwright, who recently stepped down from his post as Hull FC head coach after the Hull club announced his departure at the end of the season. During an appearance on The Bench podcast with presenters Jenna and Jon, Kelly explained the breadth and depth of the scouting process.
"We have been looking at a long list of potential coaches – arguably obsessively – and it is now being trimmed down to a handful of candidates we feel genuinely excited about," he said. Kelly added that he has been heavily involved in the background research, evaluating how each coach's philosophy and track record might align with the Giants' strategic vision before presenting his findings to the board of directors. When asked about Cartwright specifically, Kelly noted, "John is probably still figuring out what his next move will be. He’s been linked with a number of roles recently, but at this moment he might just be sipping his coffee and taking a breath.
He is a high‑profile coach, and we will conduct thorough due‑diligence before making any decisions. We cannot simply dismiss a candidate who may be available, just as we cannot ignore someone who is genuinely interested. It is about covering all angles and not rushing the appointment." The Giants are currently sitting third from bottom in the Super League table, having secured only two wins from eight matches this season.
Their most recent performance was a heavy 56‑22 home loss to the Leeds Rhinos, underscoring the urgency of finding a leader who can reverse the club's fortunes. Kelly emphasized that the recruitment process is not merely about filling a vacancy; it is about finding a visionary who can guide the team for the next two to four years while respecting the club's deep roots in the Huddersfield community.
"We need a coach who understands where we stand today, the significance of the club to the local area and to the sport as a whole, and who can articulate a clear plan for the future," he said. He reflected on the Giants' heritage, noting, "We were there at the very beginnings of rugby league in Huddersfield, but we cannot rely on that legacy forever. We must first understand where the club is now before we can chart a realistic path forward. A successful coach must possess technical and tactical expertise, but equally important is the ability to manage a squad, motivate players, and foster a winning culture." According to Kelly, this is a defining moment for the organization.
"The appointment of a head coach is a massive responsibility and will shape the direction of the club for years to come. It is a pivotal point in our history where we can either cement our status as a competitive force or continue to struggle." The Giants have taken an unconventional approach by seeking expressions of interest rather than formal applications. This two‑way method allows the club to approach coaches who might not have initially considered Huddersfield a viable option, while also gauging the interest of those who have expressed curiosity about the role. "Expressions of interest give us the flexibility to reach out to coaches who may not have thought of us, and it also lets us assess whether they see us as a good fit," Kelly explained.
One of the complicating factors in the hiring timeline has been the need to align the prospective coach's recruitment philosophy with the club's player acquisition strategy. Kelly admitted that this alignment has slowed the process slightly. "We want to ensure that any coach we bring in is comfortable with the type of players we intend to recruit, and that they will have a meaningful say in that recruitment.
The announcement will only be made once we have identified a coach who matches both our on‑field and off‑field objectives." He also warned that the club could approach a candidate who might ultimately decline the offer, which would require a backup plan. "It would be premature to name any individuals at this stage, as we must respect the confidentiality of the process and the preferences of the coaches involved," he said.
Looking ahead, Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two games per round shown exclusively and the remaining fixtures available throughout the week. This increased exposure adds further pressure on the Giants to secure a leader who can deliver compelling performances and attract viewership. In summary, the Huddersfield Giants are conducting a meticulous, multi‑layered search for a head coach who can blend tactical acumen, player management skills, and community awareness. John Cartwright stands as a prominent candidate, but the final decision will hinge on comprehensive due‑diligence, alignment with recruitment plans, and the ability to inspire both players and supporters during a critical juncture in the club's evolution.