Examining the toughest rugby league coaching challenges in Hull

Hull FC has appointed Steve McNamara to lead the team following a turbulent 2026 season and the departure of John Cartwright. McNamara returns to the club 30 years after leaving as a player, taking over a squad that finished 11th last term and missed the play-offs for the sixth consecutive year. Meanwhile, across town on the east side of the city, Nathan Cayless has been chosen to succeed Willie Peters at Hull KR as the club looks to strengthen its credentials as title-winners for the upcoming 2027 season. These managerial changes highlight a period of transition for rugby league in Hull. McNamara faces a major rebuilding task after taking over a squad that has already added 10 new players in the off-season, including Bailey Hodgson, Arlix Da Costa, and Daly Cherry-Evans, while also addressing fitness concerns from the previous year.