John Cartwright has left his role as head coach of Hull FC with immediate effect with Steve McNamara to take over the position from 2027.
Hull FC and Warrington Wolves have jointly confirmed that an agreement has been reached for Steve McNamara to become Hull FC’s new head coach for the 2027 Betfred Super League season.
Cartwright remains currently a Hull FC employee but has now stepped down from the role.
Assistant coach Andy Last will now be interim head coach until the end of the current season.
McNamara will continue as assistant coach at Warrington Wolves for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
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Highlights from the Betfred Super League clash between Hull and St Helens.
McNamara will return to his boyhood club for whom he rose through the youth ranks as a junior, before going on to make over 160 senior appearances between 1989 and 1996 in a highly respected playing career, which also included international representation with England and Great Britain.
One of the leading coaches in the game, McNamara has enjoyed a distinguished coaching career over the past two decades, during his time with Bradford Bulls, Catalans Dragons, and the England international side, as well as a spell in the NRL as an assistant coach with Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors.
During his time in the south of France, McNamara led the Dragons to the most successful period in their history, which included a Challenge Cup final triumph, a League Leaders Shield success, and two Super League Grand Final appearances.
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John Cartwright reacting to the news that he has been let go by Hull FC at the end of 2026 and reveals what is occurring behind the scenes.
Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler, said: “We are delighted to secure Steve’s services. He is a coach of the highest calibre, and someone who truly understands this club and the city.
“Steve McNamara coming home is a powerful moment for Hull FC.”
Hull FC chairman Andrew Thirkill, said: “We believe Steve is the right person to lead Hull FC into our next phase and are thrilled with his appointment.
“His experience, leadership and standards will be critical as we build a team capable of competing consistently at the top of Super League.”
2026 Super League – key dates and what to look out for
- Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6: Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6.30pm UK (Sky Sports)
- Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5
- Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26
- Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20
- Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford.
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports+