John Cartwright has told Hull FC fans to expect a ‘fit and hungry’ side in 2025. The 58-year-old Australian has signed a three-year contract with the Black and Whites, with the current Brisbane Broncos assistant coach aiming to create a squad that ‘enjoys their footy’ next year.
Tasked with turning around Hull’s fortunes, Cartwright, a former Test second row forward, knows full well the job ahead of him, but it’s one he is keen to take on after having extensive talks with the club. The Penrith-born coach has been coaching for over 25 years and is already relishing his first head coaching gig since leaving Gold Coast Titans in 2014.
Before then, Cartwright coached the under-20s at Penrith, the club he won the 1991 Premiership with as a player, before becoming an assistant at Sydney Roosters. He joined the Titans in 2007 and stayed on until 2014. He then joined North Queensland Cowboys as an assistant in 2015, winning the NRL Premiership, before spending three years at Manly Sea Eagles in a similar role.
In his current role as a defensive coach at Brisbane, Cartwright has achieved further success and is also involved with the New South Wales Origin team, focusing on rugby league. When asked about his expectations for Hull FC in 2025, Cartwright said, “They’ll be fit, they’ll be hungry, and they’ll be 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.
“It’s really exciting for me. When a club the size and 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 that if a head coach role came along, and one that really interested me, then I would like to have a crack at it.
“It’s probably been about ten years since my last head coach role. I’ve been very fortunate to work alongside some really good coaches in Paul Green at the Cowboys, Des Hasler at Manly, and now Kevin Walters at Brisbane. I made sure I kept learning throughout my time at those clubs.”
Hull FC’s Director of Rugby, Richie Myler, has pinpointed Cartwright’s ‘leadership and direction’ as two major selling points to take the club forward, with a sense of unification also a major factor in the appointment. He added: “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.
