Breaking: Hull FC have confirmed the appointment of Steve McNamara as their new head coach. John Cartwright has also stepped down, with an interim in place for the rest of the 2026 season.
Steve McNamara has been confirmed as Hull FC’s next head coach.(Image: sw pix)
Hull FC have confirmed the appointment of Steve McNamara as their new head coach for the 2027 season – paying a ‘substantial fee’ to secure his services from Warrington Wolves.
The Black and Whites, as exclusively reported by Hull Live last week, have secured a deal to bring their Hull-born former player back to the club after 30 years.
McNamara, a coaching stalwart after stints at the helm of England, the Catalans Dragons, and the Bradford Bulls, will link up with Hull ahead of pre-season training this autumn, remaining at his current role with Warrington for the rest of the season. In the meantime, the two clubs will ‘work together to ensure a smooth transition’ later this year.
Meanwhile, Hull have confirmed that John Cartwright has coached his last game for the club – with the Aussie seemingly bidding farewell after Thursday night’s game against St Helens. That has now proved to be the case, with the club stating that Cartwright has ‘stepped down’ from his ‘day-to-day’ duties as head coach. He remains an employee of Hull FC and in effect has been placed on gardening leave until his exit is sorted.
Assistant coach Andy Last will take interim charge for the rest of the year – a role the Hull-born coach had in the 2020 season, the last time the club made the Super League play-offs.
A club statement read: “Hull FC and Warrington Wolves can jointly confirm that an agreement has been reached which will see Steve McNamara become Hull FC’s new head coach for the 2027 Super League season. As part of the agreement, Hull FC has paid a substantial transfer fee to secure McNamara’s services.
“McNamara remains fully committed to his current role as assistant coach at Warrington Wolves for the remainder of the 2026 campaign before taking up his new position at the MKM Stadium. Both clubs will continue to work closely to ensure a smooth transition at the conclusion of the current season.”
Hull’s statement confirmed that John Cartwright has ‘stepped away’ from his ‘day-to-day duties as head coach with immediate effect.’ The club have stated that Cartwright remains an employee of Hull FC.
Andy Last will take charge of first team matters on an interim basis, with Hull next in action against Castleford Tigers on Friday night.
Speaking on the appointment of McNamara, club CEO 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.”
Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick, added: “Steve has made a significant contribution during his short time with us, and we thank him for his commitment. While we are naturally disappointed to see him leave at the end of the season, we respect his decision and wish him every success in his new role.”