Hull FC ‘s head coach from 2025, John Cartwright, has commented amidst speculation linking him to the job for a new NRL franchise.
The North Sydney Bears are expected to finally return to NRL, but in Western Australia, as the Perth Bears.
A first-grade team until 1999, the side were a mainstay in the NSWRL and ARL before a short time in NRL.
They also saw one of the greatest wingers of all-time grace the field for them, as the club produced Ken Irvine , who made 176 appearances for the club and scored 171 tries in his time there.
Since leaving NRL, they have been a feeder club for various NRL teams and compete in the NSW Cup – currently sitting top of the table.
Cartwright has signed a three-year deal with Hull FC, which would mean he stays through 2027 – which may be the new Perth Bears’ first season in NRL.
Future Hull FC head coach John Cartwright addresses NRL rumours
Credit: Getty Images
The Australian Daily Telegraph put Cartwright top of their shortlist of potential candidates for the NRL Bears job, as well as Melbourne Storm’s Craig Bellamy, former NSW coach Laurie Daley and a number of former North Sydney Bears players.
Also connected in their report was new Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur.
Responding at the time, Cartwright said: “I’m contracted to Hull for next season and am throwing everything I have into that job.”
This doesn’t, however, rule anything out for that 2027 season which could be the final year of his Hull FC contract and the first for Perth Bears – but, of course, that’s a long way off.
For now, Cartwright’s focus will be on his assistant coach roles for both Brisbane Broncos and New South Wales’ Origin side.
If he does well with the Black and Whites, he may well be eyeing up a return to a head coaching role in NRL – he was the Gold Coast Titans head coach from 2007 to 2014.
