Warrington Wolves secured a place in the Super League semi‑finals with a commanding 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR in the elimination match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only guarantees a clash with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but also marks Warrington’s first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the post‑season in 2025.
The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters’ tenure as Hull KR head coach. Peters, who guided the club to a historic Super League title in 2025 – the first in the team’s history – saw his spell conclude after the defeat.
His departure was underscored by a heartfelt tribute from the Hull KR crowd and players alike. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch on George Williams.
Although the contact appeared relatively light, the referee deemed it sufficient for an ejection, leaving Hull KR to play the remainder of the game with just twelve men. The numerical disadvantage quickly proved costly, as Warrington capitalised on the extra space on the field.
Warrington entered halftime with a slender 12‑6 lead. The first half had been a seesaw battle: Ben Currie crossed for a try that was converted, Ewan Irwin added a penalty goal, and Matty Ashton contributed a score to put the home side ahead. Hull KR responded with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, whose try was set up by a brilliant line break from Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap and raising hopes for a comeback.
The second half opened with an immediate burst of activity. Shortly after the restart, Ashton broke through the defensive line and touched down for his second try of the match, completing a hat‑trick by the final whistle. Albert Hopoate also added a try, further extending Warrington’s advantage. Hull KR managed to add a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but the effort was largely symbolic as the Wolves continued to dominate.
The final minutes saw George Williams slot a late drop goal and Toby King finish with a try, adding the finishing touches to a comprehensive victory. The win propelled Warrington into the semi‑final slot where they will travel to Leeds for a high‑stakes encounter that will decide a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Key moments of the match included: - **Early dominance:** Within minutes of kickoff, Warrington earned a penalty after a Hull KR off‑side, which Irwin converted, giving the hosts an early lead. - **First try:** A clever grubber kick from Williams was partially fumbled by Burgess, allowing Currie to recover the ball and dive under the posts for the opening score. - **Discipline costs:** Hull KR’s discipline faltered throughout the game. Their repeated infringements handed Warrington additional penalty opportunities, allowing Irwin to add points and stretch the lead.
- **Half‑time drama:** Just before the break, Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defensive line and passed to Ashton, who celebrated his 100th Super League try with a powerful dive into the corner. The conversion hit the post, leaving the score at 12‑6.
- **Red card incident:** Three minutes into the second half, Hiku’s punch on Williams resulted in an immediate red card. The Wolves, now down to twelve men, responded instantly by spreading the ball wide to Ashton, who scored his second try of the evening. - **Hull KR’s resilience:** Despite being a man down, Hull KR fought back in the 53rd minute when Burgess broke through and set up Dean Hadley for a close‑range try. Mourgue’s conversion reduced the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback.
- **Crucial interception:** With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley made a game‑changing interception, feeding Ashton who sprinted away to complete his hat‑trick and restore a comfortable cushion. - **Final blows:** Hopoate’s corner dive and Irwin’s reliable kicking pushed the lead to 16 points. Williams added a late drop goal, and King’s try in the dying moments sealed the 35‑12 result. Post‑match reactions highlighted the emotional weight of the occasion.
Hull KR coach Willie Peters, speaking to Sky Sports, praised his squad’s fighting spirit despite the disciplinary setbacks: "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately it did again tonight, but I can't fault the players. I'm really proud of them.
They kept fighting until the end." He also reflected on his four‑year tenure, noting the historic 2025 title and the memories created: "Warrington played really well and have been a very good team all year. I wish them all the best, but I'm really, really proud of this group and what they've achieved over the last four years. We've made a lot of beautiful memories." Warrington captain Sam Burgess, who also serves as head coach, expressed satisfaction with the performance: "I'm proud of the group. It was a strange game, but we're pleased to come through and get another week together, which is what we came for.
In the first half we felt really dominant and were disappointed with the scoreline. We left two or three tries out there and probably a couple more in the second half. We've just got to understand how important precision is because, over the course of a game, those moments add up. We could have finished the game much earlier." Looking ahead, the Wolves will travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with kickoff at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The other semi‑final pits Wigan Warriors against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m.
Both matches are broadcast live, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑intensity rugby league, with each fixture offering a blend of tactical nuance, physicality, and drama. Warrington’s blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent, exemplified by Ashton’s hat‑trick and Hopoate’s finishing, positions them as serious contenders for the ultimate prize. The upcoming semi‑final against Leeds promises to be a tightly contested affair, where the Wolves will need to maintain their defensive discipline and exploit any lapses from the Rhinos if they hope to advance to the championship decider.
In summary, Warrington’s 35‑12 demolition of Hull KR not only secured a semi‑final berth but also underscored the importance of discipline, composure under pressure, and the ability to convert opportunities into points. With a clear path to the Grand Final now in sight, the Wolves will aim to build on this performance and deliver another memorable chapter in their storied history.