The Bears look set to become the 18th NRL team, with a side from Western Australia set to enter the competition in either 2027 or 2028 and it seems the hunt is on for a coach to spearhead the project.
Cartwright, who is currently an assistant with New South Wales and Brisbane Broncos, is one of the names being linked to the position. However, it comes as Cartwright prepares to link up with Hull ahead of the 2025 season.
The coach has penned a three-year deal with the Black and Whites and he’ll make the move following the completion of the 2024 NRL campaign. He’ll be tasked with helping the club take strides forward and improve on what has been a dismal season so far for the Black and Whites.
I’m contracted to Hull for next season and am throwing everything I have into that job,” he said, per the report, in a succinct and telling statement.
Cartwright isn’t the only man being linked to the position with the Bears, with Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur also said to be a candidate. Arthur took over at Headingley last week and will remain in charge until the end of the season.
A stay beyond the end of the campaign has not been ruled out but the Perth job may just have an impact on his next career decision. Melbourne Storm’s Craig Bellamy has also been linked with the position, as have Laurie Daley, Matt King and Jason Taylor.
The franchise hasn’t officially been announced as the NRL’s next expansion team yet, but according to reports, their place in the sport’s premier competition will be confirmed later this year.
