Willie Peters’ Hull KR tenure concludes with eliminators exit ahead of PNG Chiefs move

The era of Willie Peters at Hull KR has come to an end following the club’s elimination from the Super League playoffs by the Warrington Wolves. Peters, who announced earlier in the season that the current campaign would be his final one before taking charge of the NRL’s new franchise, the PNG Chiefs, leaves behind a legacy of unprecedented success.

Peters arrived at the East Yorkshire club in 2023, and his three full seasons saw the Robins achieve what many considered historic. In 2025, Hull KR became only the fifth team in Super League history to claim the Grand Final title. Under his guidance, the club secured a domestic treble, capturing the Betfred Super League championship, the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup, and the World Club Challenge against the Brisbane Broncos.

Despite the magnificent achievements of his first three years, Peters’ final match in charge did not provide a fairytale conclusion. Hull KR finished the regular season in sixth place and were defeated by Warrington, a side that featured a hat-trick from Matty Ashton. The loss sends Warrington through to face Leeds Rhinos in the semi-finals.

Peters acknowledged the role discipline played in the defeat, particularly after Peta Hiku was shown a straight red card for a high tackle. However, he remained unequivocal in his praise for his squad.

“Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately tonight, but I can’t fault them,” Peters told Sky Sports. “I am really proud of them. They kept fighting to the end… We scored down the other end, went two points ahead and then, against the run of play, they scored.”

Reflecting on his four-year spell, Peters described it as the best period of his life. He cited the supportive environment and the mutual respect between the staff, players, and fans as key factors in the club’s ability to achieve such significant milestones.

“When you’re part of a family and create the right environment, especially in sport, where everyone cares about each other, you can do wonderful things,” he said. “I do feel loved, absolutely. Love’s important. I remember Russell Crowe saying years ago at South Sydney that it’s all about the love, and there’s something in that.”

While Peters is eager to embark on the challenge of building the PNG Chiefs and making an impact on rugby league in Papua New Guinea, he emphasized that his connection to English rugby will remain strong. He expressed pride in the growth of the Super League and suggested that a return to the competition is not impossible.

“You never say never,” he added. “This has been home… My family and I have loved it over here and we’ll never forget our time at Hull KR.”

The Super League play-offs continue with semi-final one between Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves on Friday, September 25, and semi-final two between Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26. The Grand Final is scheduled for October 3 at Old Trafford.