Hull FC have confirmed that head coach John Cartwright has stepped down with Steve McNamara appointed as head coach for 2027.
It was previously announced that Cartwright would leave the club at the end of the 2026 season with reports suggesting that Warrington Wolves’ assistant Steve McNamara would replace him, and McNamara’s 2027 appointment has now been confirmed.
Hull FC have also revealed that John Cartwright will step down from the day-to-day duties as head coach of the club, however, he will remain an employee in a decision that would seemingly block him from taking on the vacant Catalans Dragons’ job, as has been rumoured.
Assistant coach Andy Last will take on the role of interim head coach for the remainder of the season whilst Wire assistant McNamara will begin his tenure as head coach of his hometown club at the end of the season.
Announcing the news, Hull FC shared a statement that 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 Betfred Super League season.
“As part of the agreement, Hull FC has paid a substantial transfer fee to secure McNamara’s services.”
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Hull FC confirm Steve McNamara appointment
It’s a major coup for Hull FC and also somewhat of a result for Warrington who have received that ‘substantial transfer fee’ for a coach that has only been in a job for six months, with McNamara appointed as assistant to Sam Burgess ahead of the 2026 season.
McNamara remains as Burgess’ assistant for 2026 with FC confirming that both clubs will work together to ensure a ‘smooth transition’ at the end of the season.
The former Catalans Dragons and England coach played for Hull FC between 1989 and 1996 when he made 160 appearances for the club, who he will now rejoin 30 years on from his final appearance.
Warrington Wolves also shared the news, maintaining that McNamara remains committed to the jo at the Halliwell Jones Stadium with CEO Karl Fitzpatrick stating: “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. ”
Confirming their decision on John Cartwright and his immediate future, Hull FC said: “Hull FC can also confirm that John Cartwright has stepped away from his day-to-day duties as Head Coach with immediate effect.
“John remains an employee of Hull FC, and the Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks for his efforts during his time as Head Coach at Hull FC.
“Assistant Coach Andy Last will take the role of interim Head Coach until the end of the 2026 Betfred Super League season.”
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 Betfred Super League season 🤝
Read 👉 https://t.co/VPiRnD63Yr
⚫️⚪️ #COYH | https://t.co/cxzK1xEDLH pic.twitter.com/VfSUE8iJFm
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) April 17, 2026
John Dalton
April 17, 2026 at 1:16 pm
Has he garden to work in?