STEVE McNAMARA HEADLINES SKIRLAUGH RLFC’S ANNUAL SPORTSMAN’S DINNER
Skirlaugh RLFC is delighted to announce that former England Head Coach and incoming Hull FC boss Steve McNamara will be the guest speaker at the club’s Annual Sportsman’s Dinner on Sunday 15 November 2026.
The event will take place at the MKM Stadium, with guests arriving from 12:00pm ahead of a 12:30pm sit-down.
Steve will be joined by popular MC John Stiles and comedian Austin Knight for an afternoon of rugby league stories and entertainment, complete with a raffle and auction.
The dinner is proudly supported by Main Event Sponsor Concept Sliding Solutions, whose generous backing has helped the club bring together what promises to be a memorable occasion.
A Special Skirlaugh Connection
Steve’s appearance carries particular meaning for Skirlaugh.
One of the most distinguished players to have emerged from the club, he has maintained a strong relationship with Skirlaugh throughout his career and is now an ambassador for the club’s Ex-Players Association.
The Association was established to reconnect former players, celebrate the club’s history and provide meaningful support to Skirlaugh and the wider rugby league community.
Steve has embraced that role and continues to demonstrate the values associated with the club. Earlier this year, after learning through the Ex-Players Association about a family requiring support, he immediately volunteered to personally deliver a signed shirt to them in Wigan.
His presence at the Sportsman’s Dinner will therefore represent far more than securing a high-profile speaker. It will be an opportunity to welcome home someone whose rugby league journey began within the Skirlaugh family and whose connection to the club remains strong.
An outstanding playing career
After progressing into the professional game, Steve made more than 160 senior appearances for Hull FC between 1989 and 1996.
He went on to represent Bradford Bulls, Wakefield Trinity and Huddersfield Giants during a playing career containing more than 300 top-level appearances.
A respected forward and accomplished goal-kicker, Steve also represented both England and Great Britain on the international stage.
That experience across the amateur, domestic and international games provided the foundation for an equally distinguished coaching career.
Success at the highest level
Steve began his coaching journey within the Bradford Bulls Academy, leading the team to Grand Final success before progressing to become the club’s First Team Head Coach.
In 2010, he was appointed England Head Coach—a position he held until 2015. His tenure included leading the national team at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and overseeing an important period in the development of England’s elite performance programme.
His career subsequently took him into the NRL as an assistant coach with Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, giving him experience within one of the world’s strongest rugby league competitions.
Steve returned to Super League in 2017 to take charge of Catalans Dragons.
During his time in France, he transformed the Dragons into consistent contenders and guided them through the most successful period in their history.
In 2018, Catalans defeated Warrington Wolves at Wembley to win the Challenge Cup—the club’s first major trophy.
Three years later, Steve led the Dragons to their first League Leaders’ Shield and maiden Super League Grand Final appearance. His achievements were recognised when he was named the 2021 Super League Coach of the Year.
Catalans reached another Grand Final under his leadership in 2023, further establishing the French club among the leading teams in the competition.
Returning to Hull
The dinner will take place during a particularly significant period in Steve’s career.
After spending the 2026 season as an assistant coach at Warrington Wolves, he will return to his home city to become Hull FC’s Head Coach for the 2027 Super League campaign.
Steve is due to begin working with the Black and Whites during November, meaning his appearance at Skirlaugh’s Annual Sportsman’s Dinner will come shortly after starting the latest chapter of his career.
A former Hull FC player who rose through the club’s youth system and made more than 160 senior appearances, Steve will return to the MKM Stadium with extensive experience gained across Super League, the international game and the NRL.
The timing gives guests a fascinating opportunity to hear from him as he reflects upon his journey and prepares to lead his boyhood club into a new era.
From his early days at Skirlaugh to representing his country, coaching England, creating history with Catalans and returning to Hull FC, there will be no shortage of stories from a lifetime spent at the highest levels of rugby league.
An afternoon not to be missed
Alongside Steve’s appearance, John Stiles will guide guests through the afternoon as MC, with comedian Austin Knight providing the entertainment.
There will also be a raffle and auction, with further information about the available prizes to be announced nearer the event.
EVENT DETAILS
Skirlaugh RLFC Annual Sportsman’s Dinner
Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
Venue: MKM Stadium
Arrival: 12:00pm
Sit-down: 12:30pm
Guest Speaker: Steve McNamara
MC: John Stiles
Comedian: Austin Knight
Also included: Raffle and auction
Tables of 10: £450
BOOKINGS
To reserve a table, contact Carl:
Telephone: 07970 058956
Email: Carl.Wiles@SJPP.co.uk
Skirlaugh RLFC would like to thank Concept Sliding Solutions, our Main Event Sponsor, for its valued support in making the afternoon possible.