John Cartwright joins Catalans Dragons as head coach with immediate effect after being released by Hull FC
Catalans Dragons have announced John Cartwright as their new head coach; Cartwright controversially stood down as Hull FC boss in early April; watch every game of Super League live on Sky Sports this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live
Tuesday 19 May 2026 19:37, UK
John Cartwright has taken charge of Catalans Dragons with immediate effect after leaving Hull FC.
Cartwright said he felt "betrayed" and "disrespected" after being told he was no longer Hull coach last month but was still employed by the club until Tuesday.
Hull said he had been "released from the remainder of his contract" to allow him to join Catalans Dragons as their new head coach.
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Ryan Sheridan had been serving as interim head coach of Catalans after Joel Tomkins stood down in April due to personal reasons.
Cartwright, who will be in charge of the team when they take on York this Saturday, will be supported by Sheridan, Micky McIlorum and Mitchell Pearce.
"I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season with the Dragons," Cartwright said.
"It happened unexpectedly, which makes the challenge even more exciting. I can't thank Bernard (Guasch, CEO) enough for this opportunity."
Cartwright, a former Penrith player, began his coaching career as an assistant with the Panthers before joining the Sydney Roosters.
He became head coach of the Gold Coast Titans in 2007 before assisting several NRL clubs, including the North Queensland Cowboys to the 2015 NRL title.
The Australian switched to Super League by joining Hull FC in 2024 and the club finished seventh last season.
2026 Super League - key dates and what to look out for
- Super League in Paris: Sat June 6: Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6.30pm UK (Sky Sports)
- Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5
- Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26
- Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20
- Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford.
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports+
