Rugby League Shock: Paul Rowley Declines Hull FC Head Coach Role
In a surprising turn of events earlier this week, the rugby league community was taken aback when Paul Rowley turned down the opportunity to become the new head coach of Hull FC. Sky Sports presenter Jon Wilkin even went as far as stating that it was a “done deal,” making the decision all the more unexpected.
Given Rowley’s unwavering loyalty throughout his career, his decision to remain at Salford and see through the project he has undertaken with the vastly talented squad he has recruited at the AJ Bell Stadium should not have come as a major surprise. The move has seemingly caught the decision-makers at Hull FC off guard, as there do not appear to be any other obvious candidates lined up to fill the vacancy.
“It was a done deal.”
- Jon Wilkin, Sky Sports Presenter
This situation bears resemblance to the one faced by Hull FC in 2021, when Ian Watson opted to join Huddersfield instead of the Humberside club. Watson’s name is likely to resurface as a potential candidate, but given his previous refusal, it seems unlikely that he would now be willing to leave Huddersfield.
Potential Candidates
Other names, such as Lee Briers and Brian McDermott, have been mentioned as potential targets, but there is no indication that either is prepared to make the move back from the NRL. Interim coach Simon Grix has handled the role well so far, and he may be given the opportunity to see out the remaining 19 games, potentially guiding the Airlie Birds to a respectable finish.
However, one man who seems to have slipped under the radar in the search for the next Hull FC head coach is Steve McNamara, the current boss of the Catalans Dragons. McNamara is a former Hull FC player and fan favorite, and he came within two minutes of leading England to the World Cup Final.
“Since taking over the reins at the Dragons in 2017, McNamara has transformed the French outfit from a struggling team to consistent Super League contenders.”
Since taking over the reins at the Dragons in 2017, McNamara has transformed the French outfit from a struggling team to consistent Super League contenders. He led them to a famous Challenge Cup Final triumph in 2018 and a League Leaders’ Shield in 2021, with the team also making a Grand Final appearance at Old Trafford.
Despite the Dragons’ recent success and McNamara’s new contract until 2026, the opportunity to return to his hometown club could be a tempting proposition. With the potential for significant investment and the chance to restore Hull FC to its former glory, McNamara could be the ideal candidate to take the club forward.
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