Hull FC has finalized an agreement with Warrington Wolves to appoint Steve McNamara as their head coach starting next season, with John Cartwright resigning from his position immediately.
Although Cartwright was originally expected to leave at the end of the current season, the Super League club announced that he has “stepped away from his day-to-day duties as head coach with immediate effect.”
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Hull FC will also pay a “substantial transfer fee” to enable McNamara, currently an assistant coach at Warrington, to take up the new role.
At 54, McNamara returns to Hull FC, where he began his playing career and made over 160 senior appearances. He has previously coached England, Bradford Bulls, and Catalans Dragons.
“John remains a valued employee of Hull FC, and we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for his contributions during his tenure as head coach,” the club stated in a press release.
Andy Last, Cartwright’s assistant, will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
McNamara’s return to his hometown club comes with some controversy. Although his exit was announced earlier this month, Cartwright recently expressed feelings of “betrayal and disrespect” during an interview with BBC Radio Humberside, stating the decision was “not mutual.”
After taking over in 2025 following a disappointing season in which Hull FC won only three matches, Cartwright oversaw a marked improvement last year, bringing the team close to playoff contention.
While he was initially set to remain in charge until the season’s conclusion, Thursday’s defeat to St Helens marked his final game.
Upon announcing McNamara’s return, Hull FC noted that he is still “fully committed” to his current position as Warrington’s assistant.
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During his previous stint as head coach at Catalans, McNamara achieved significant success, leading the team to their first Challenge Cup victory in 2018, alongside a League Leaders’ Shield and two Super League Grand Final appearances before his departure in 2025.
“We believe Steve is the right person to guide Hull FC into the next chapter, and we are excited about his appointment,” said Hull FC Chairman Andrew Thirkill.
“His experience, leadership, and high standards will be essential as we aim to build a team that consistently competes at the top of Super League.”
Analysis: McNamara’s Potential Impact on Hull FC
Beyond his personal ties to Hull FC, Steve McNamara is an outstanding choice for the role; few coaches possess his caliber, experience, and record of accomplishments.
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Hull is a passionately intense environment for rugby league, and McNamara is keenly aware of this dynamic and is emotionally invested as well. His appointment makes perfect sense for the club. While Cartwright has fostered a strong culture since his arrival, it appears that McNamara has the potential to elevate the team even further.
He transformed Catalans from a collection of individually recruited players into a cohesive unit, achieving a Challenge Cup victory and two Grand Final appearances despite the unique challenges the Perpignan club faced.
Having stepped into head coaching roles at both Bradford and England early in his career, and with a wealth of experience as an esteemed assistant in the NRL with Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, McNamara possesses a diverse skill set.
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McNamara is expected to receive support from co-owner Andrew Thirkill and director of rugby Richie Myler as he reshapes the squad according to his vision. He should also inspire confidence in Hull’s homegrown talents, such as Lewis Martin, Davy Litten, and Harvey Barron—players who will be vital to the club’s future.
The progress witnessed at Warrington since McNamara joined Sam Burgess’ coaching staff indicates his influence on their upturn in fortune, yielding tangible results.
Importantly, McNamara will likely enjoy goodwill from the fans, affording him time to build and implement his plans effectively.
However, this also brings heightened expectations as the “hometown” appointment anticipates that he can drive Hull toward becoming a formidable force. McNamara appears well-prepared to handle this pressure.
As for Cartwright, his immediate step back from day-to-day responsibilities follows his expressed disappointment over the manner of his departure being made public last week.
The 60-year-old has a deep affection for the club, which was evident during Thursday’s match against St Helens, as both fans and players acknowledged his contributions.
Moving forward, Andy Last, who is deeply ingrained in the club, will take over as interim head coach. This isn’t Last’s first time in a temporary role with the Airlie Birds, and he will provide continuity during this transition.