Cartwright will coach against Hull FC later this year.
John Cartwright before a Hull FC game.(Image: Hull FC)
John Cartwright has been backed to make a fist of the Catalans Dragons job after officially leaving Hull FC this week.
Stepping down from all first-team coaching duties at the Black and Whites last month, Cartwright had spent the last month or so on gardening leave. However, he was released from the remainder of his Hull contract this week to take up a new position at the Dragons until the end of the 2026 season.
Settling into the Perpignan club, who have remained without a permanent head coach since Joel Tomkins’ departure, Cartwright will oversee his first match for the French side at York Knights this Saturday evening, with Hull interim Andy Last backing his former colleague to succeed at the Dragons, who will host FC in what promises to be a tasty clash in August.
“He’ll enjoy it over there,” Last, who had a spell as an assistant coach at Catalans under Steve McNamara, said. “It’s a good lifestyle. And I’m talking from experience.
“You’ve got the sun on your back and the food is good. The chocolate isn’t great, but I know John likes his red wine so I’m sure he’ll have a couple of glasses of red wine. It’ll be nice to catch up when we go over.”
Harvey Barron, who starred for Hull under Cartwright, also wishes his former coach well. He added: “I’m happy for him. I’m happy he has found somewhere else to call home.
“I owe a lot to John. He trusted me a lot when he first came in and he taught me a lot of stuff that I needed to learn and a lot of harsh lessons, but a lot of good lessons as well. I’m happy he’s got someone else to coach.”