NSW State of Origin and Brisbane Broncos assistant John Cartwright has been formally approached to coach in Super League.
Cartwright, 58, has held talks with English top-flight club, Hull FC.
No deal has been struck although Cartwright confirmed the overture. He would not comment any further.
Australia’s Tony Smith stood down as Hull FC head coach on April 11.
Multiple candidates have been touted as a replacement including Cartwright, Adrian Lam, English-born Newcastle Knights assistant coach Brian McDermott and Salford coach Paul Rowley.
Interim Hull coach Simon Grix also wants the top job permanently.
Media company HullLive reports: “John Cartwright is a name on the lips of Hull FC supporters, with speculation increasing that he is set to be named as the new head coach of the club.”
Cartwright’s task would be immense.
A well-placed source confirmed Cartwright and Hull FC had engaged in “conversations.”
Hull FC sit equal last on the Super League competition table with one win from 11 games. The Black and Whites have lost eight successive games.
Cartwright becomes a free agent when his contract at Brisbane ends after this season. Any English deal would start from 2025.
Former NRL players at Hull FC include Herman Ese’ese, Ligi Sao and Franklin Pele.
Broncos assistant coach John Cartwright has held preliminary talks with Hull FC. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Cartwright, who lives on the Gold Coast, may opt to spurn English interest and remain in Australia.
It is understood he would explore all NRL options before contemplating a shift to the English Humber region.
New NSW coach Michael Maguire invited Cartwright onto the Blues coaching staff for this year’s series.
Maguire and Cartwright are preparing to name their NSW side for Origin I early next week.
Cartwright has been a huge success as Kevin Walters assistant, the pair guiding Brisbane to within 20 minutes of what would have been a famous grand final win last season.
He has helped Brisbane to seven wins from 11 games this season.
Hull FC fans have expressed excitement after discovering their club’s link to Cartwright.
Cartwright has previously coached Penrith’s reserve grade while being an assistant at the Sydney Roosters, North Queensland and Manly.
He was the inaugural head coach of the Gold Coast Titans and toured England with the Ashes-retaining 1990 Kangaroos.
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