Experienced Aussie John Cartwright has vowed to deliver a “fit and hungry” Hull side as their new head coach.
The Brisbane Broncos assistant takes over on a three-year deal from 2025. Super League strugglers Hull failed in a bid to lure Salford boss Paul Rowley to the MKM Stadium and had also been in talks with Leigh chief Adrian Lam. But ex-Penrith and Kangaroos second-row Cartwright, 58, has taken on the gig - despite not being a head coach for around a decade.
The former Gold Coast Titans boss, who won an NRL title as North Queensland assistant in 2015 and helped Brisbane reach last year’s Grand Final, said: “It’s really exciting for me. When a club the size and the status of Hull FC came along, it was something I really wanted to have a go at.
“My time at the Broncos has made me realise if a head coach role came along - and one that really interested me - then I’d like to have a crack. It’s probably been about ten years since my last head coach role [at Titans]. I’ve been very fortunate to work alongside some really good coaches in Paul Green at Cowboys, Des Hasler at Manly and now Kevin Walters at Brisbane. I made sure I kept learning throughout that time.”
Shambolic Hull, who sacked Tony Smith on April 11, were beaten by bottom-placed London last time out and have won just once all season. But on the changes he intends to make, Cartwright insisted: “They’ll be fit, hungry and enjoying their footy. If we can get those three things happening, that’ll be an improvement from the word 'go'. The pre-season is the time where you can get most of your improvement out of the squad. That’s what I’ve found in my time in coaching.
“I’m not sure what the boys are used to, but one thing I can guarantee Hull FC fans is a fit and hungry team for 2025.”
Cartwright, who briefly played in Super League with Salford in 1997 before retiring, will work with New South Wales’ performance department in the forthcoming State of Origin before heading to the UK in the autumn after the NRL season. He was one of the best forwards of his generation, making almost 200 appearances for Penrith with whom he famously won the Grand Final in 1991 before helping Australia lift the World Cup at Wembley a year later. He also represented New South Wales and later, as a coach, he worked with Sydney Roosters when they finished top in 2004.
Cartwright also also had a long spell with Manly before helping North Queensland to glory in 2015. He coached John Asiata in that Cowboys side, the current Leigh captain who Hull have captured as a marquee signing from next season. Hull director of rugby Richie Myler said: “We are delighted to announce John Cartwright as our new head coach from next season - as one of the most experienced coaches across the sport, his leadership and direction will take us in a fresh, new direction in 2025.
“Over the last few weeks as we’ve gone through the process of making this decision, it’s become apparent that John is someone who brings real grit, determination and desire to the people around him, and has the ability to unify by bringing the entire club together onto the same page. Having been involved in multiple NRL winning sides, as well as an impressive four-and-a-half years with the Broncos, his talents and capabilities speak for themselves and are clear to see.
“His attention to detail is something that really excites us, and we’re certain that that can help get the best out of a new-look squad next season. We wish him well for the rest of the season with both Brisbane and New South Wales, and look forward to welcoming him to West Hull later this year.”
Salford have signed young Wigan forward Harvey Wilson on an 18-month deal.