CATALANS DRAGONS have confirmed that John Cartwright will remain in charge for the next two seasons.
The Australian coach joined the club in May, becoming their third boss in a tumultuous season after Joel Tomkins, who stood down in March, and Ryan Sheridan, who served in an interim capacity in between.
It was a swift return to work for Cartwright, having left Hull FC in acrimonious fashion the previous month after being told he would be replaced as coach.
Catalans won three of their first four matches with the 61-year-old at the helm, but have since lost seven in eight to remain in eighth place in Super League and out of play-off contention.
It’s understood the agreement for Cartwright, who led Gold Coast Titans in their first eight seasons as an NRL club, to continue through to 2028 was reached some time ago, having initially committed only until the end of this year.
“It’s a privilege to do the job I love at this level,” said Cartwright.
“Being in the south of France at a club with such a strong identity and a rich history is a fantastic opportunity for me.
“I was really excited from my very first meeting with Bernard (Guasch, Catalans owner). His commitment to the club and his long-term vision convinced me straight away.
“It’s a thorough job with a lot of pressure but I’m really looking forward to taking on the challenge.
“This club has great potential. For the game of rugby league in general, it’s essential that we have a very strong Catalans Dragons team.”
Cartwright comes up against Hull, whom he led to a respectable seventh place last year having come eleventh in the season before he joined, for the first time on Saturday at Stade Gilbert Brutus.