Who is John Cartwright? Everything you need to know about Hull FC's new Australian coach

Hull FC have secured their new head coach for 2025 and beyond, with John Cartwright signing for the Black and Whites on a three-year deal. Here's everything you need to know about the experienced Australian.

Who is John Cartwright?

John Cartwright is an Australian-born former rugby league player and current coach. He has held both assistant and head coach roles throughout his career. He was born in Penrith, New South Wales in 1965 and is currently 58 years old, turning 59 in August.

Who did John Cartwright play for?

Cartwright was a second-row forward during his playing career. He debuted for hometown club Penrith Panthers in 1985 and went on to make over 180 appearances for them, winning the 1991 Premiership against Canberra Raiders. He finished his career with a year in Super League, playing for Salford Red Devils in 1997.

The Australian also played eight times for both New South Wales in Origin and Australia on the international stage, featuring in an Ashes series against Great Britain and a World Cup.

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Who has John Cartwright coached?

Cartwright's first coaching role was with Penrith in 1998, coaching their under-20s set up. He then moved to the Roosters to coach under Ricky Stuart in 2002. He also coached the USA national team against Australia in 2004 before becoming the inaugural coach of Gold Coast Titans in 2007.

He took the Titans to the NRL finals in 2009 and 2010, where they reached the preliminary final. However, in 2011, the Titans received their first wooden spoon, finishing last in the competition. Cartwright then stood down as coach in 2014.

He joined North Queensland Cowboys for one season in 2015 as an assistant to Paul Green. The club won the NRL Premiership, defeating Brisbane Broncos in the final.

In 2016, Cartwright joined Manly Sea Eagles under rookie head coach Trent Barrett, achieving two third-place finishes in 2017 and 2019. In 2021, he joined Brisbane Broncos under Kevin Walters, reaching another Grand Final in 2023.

Cartwright will step into the State of Origin arena again this year, helping New South Wales head coach Michael Maguire as an assistant. He performed a similar role in 2010 and also coached the former City Origin side form 2009 to 2011.

What style of coach is John Cartwright?

Cartwright is known for being a defensive coach. He has had such roles at many of his NRL clubs and has a big focus on discipline—two things Hull FC are currently crying out for.

The Australian is also expected to have a say in Hull FC's overseas recruitment this year. As it stands, the club currently has one quota spot remaining after signing John Asiata.

Cartwright, meanwhile, was in talks for Hull FC for over a fortnight. The club originally sought a British appointment to replace Tony Smith, who departed the club last month, but after missing out on Paul Rowley and with overseas interest arising, they decided to go in a different direction.

Read more: Hull FC complete John Cartwright appointment as new coaching direction sought