John Cartwright names three non-negotiables following appointment as Hull FC head coach from 2025

The 58-year-old has signed a three-year contract to become Tony Smith's permanent successor.

Simon Grix, who was in the running for the job, will remain as interim boss for the rest of the campaign.

"It's really exciting for me," said Cartwright.

"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 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 10 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."

Cartwright will be tasked with improving the fortunes of a club that have lost their way in recent years.

Since last qualifying for the Super League play-offs in 2020, the Black and Whites have recorded consecutive finishes of eighth, ninth and 10th.

Hull are on course for another lowly finish after winning just one of their opening 11 games, leaving them bottom of the table alongside London Broncos.

The club's initial plan was to appoint a coach with Super League experience but they looked overseas after missing out on top target Paul Rowley.

Hull have opted for an Australian who is currently working in the NRL as an assistant, a path successfully taken by Wigan Warriors and St Helens in the recent past.

Michael Maguire led Wigan to a first title in 12 years, while Justin Holbrook and Kristian Woolf oversaw Saints' four-peat following a barren period in relative terms.

Willie Peters, meanwhile, has taken Hull KR to new heights since earning his first head coach opportunity across the river from the MKM Stadium.

Although he is starting from a lower base, Hull will be hoping for a similar impact from Cartwright.

The Penrith native does have head coach experience after leading Gold Coast Titans for eight years from their inaugural season in 2007.

Cartwright helped Brisbane to the NRL Grand Final last year as an assistant coach, a position he has held since 2020.

He has vowed to give the Hull supporters a team to be proud of.

"They'll be fit, they'll be hungry and they'll be enjoying their footy," said Cartwright, who will be part of New South Wales' high-performance team during this year's State of Origin series under head coach Maguire.

"If we can get those three things happening, that'll be an improvement from the word go."

Before Brisbane, the former Australia second-rower had coaching spells with Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, North Queensland Cowboys and Manly Sea Eagles. He enjoyed NRL Grand Final success as an assistant at the Cowboys in 2015.

Cartwright was also a premiership winner as a player with Penrith – his only Australian club – before finishing his career at Salford Red Devils.

The ex-New South Wales representative will return to England with a wealth of experience but it will not be an overnight fix at Hull, as director of rugby Richie Myler has been at pains to stress.

The Black and Whites dispensed with the services of Smith, who held the title of Super League's most experienced head coach, following a disastrous start to the season.

Hull's troubles have continued since Smith's departure in April, with the recent defeat at basement side London extending their losing run to nine games.

The appointment of Cartwright hands the Airlie Birds a timely boost ahead of Friday's trip to fellow strugglers Castleford Tigers.

"As one of the most experienced coaches across the sport, his leadership and direction will take us in a fresh, new direction in 2025," said Myler, who recently kicked off Hull's recruitment drive with the signing of Leigh Leopards captain John Asiata.

"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."