Willie Peters’ spell at Hull Kingston Rovers reached its dramatic conclusion this season, closing a chapter that will be remembered as one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history. When Peters arrived in 2022, the Robins were a solid but not spectacular side, yet within three years he guided them to a level of achievement that few clubs have ever reached in the Super League era.
In 2025, Hull KR became only the fifth team in the competition’s thirty‑year history to capture the Grand Final title, a triumph that was the cornerstone of an unprecedented treble. Under Peters’ stewardship, the club not only lifted the Betfred Super League trophy but also secured the League Leaders’ Shield, added the Challenge Cup to their cabinet, and capped the season with a World Club Challenge victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
Each piece of silverware was earned on the field, cementing Hull KR’s status as the team to beat, even if opponents struggled to match their consistency. Mid‑season announcements confirmed that 2026 would be Peters’ final year at the helm of the Robins. He had accepted a new challenge: the head‑coaching role with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, the newest franchise in the Australian NRL.
The club set a clear objective for his swansong – to finish on a high note. Unfortunately, the Robins fell short of a fairy‑tale ending.
After finishing sixth in the regular season, they were knocked out in the elimination round by Warrington Wolves, ending their campaign earlier than hoped. Despite the disappointment, Peters reflected on his time in Hull with unreserved pride. In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports, he described the past four years as “the best four years of my life,” emphasizing the deep bond he forged with the players, staff, and supporters.
He acknowledged that discipline issues had cost the team on the night of their exit, yet he refused to place blame on his squad, instead praising their resilience and fighting spirit. "They kept battling until the final whistle," he said. "Warrington played a superb game and have been a strong side all season. I wish them well, but I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together." Peters highlighted the challenges of playing with a reduced bench, noting that being down to twelve men made it harder to maintain momentum.
He recalled a pivotal moment when Hull KR surged ahead by two points, only for the opposition to level the score in a surprising turn of events. Fatigue, he explained, began to seep into the players during the closing stages, a factor that often determines the outcome of tightly contested matches. He also paid tribute to veteran centre Peta Hiku, who had been a cornerstone of the side for three seasons.
Though Hiku’s red‑card incident was unfortunate, Peters insisted that his overall contribution had been exemplary. The coach’s remarks painted a picture of a close‑knit community.
He spoke of the club’s ambition to win trophies—a goal that had been realized multiple times—and the camaraderie that persisted even in defeat. "We may have been beaten, but we never lost our heart," he said.
"My family and I have had an absolute ball here. We will never forget our time at Hull KR." Love and loyalty emerged as recurring themes in Peters’ farewell address. He recalled a piece of advice from former Sydney Rabbitohs great Russell Crowe, who once told him that the sport is fundamentally about love. Peters agreed, asserting that when a team operates like a family—where players care for one another and the environment is supportive—extraordinary achievements become possible.
He felt the affection from the fans and players reciprocated, creating a mutual bond that transcended the usual coach‑player dynamic. Looking ahead, Peters expressed excitement about his upcoming role in Papua New Guinea.
He envisions using rugby league as a vehicle for positive change both on and off the field, scaling the impact he had in Hull to a national level. "It’s similar to what we did here, but on a bigger scale," he noted, emphasizing his eagerness to embrace the new challenge. Although he has achieved his goal of coaching in the Super League, Peters admitted he would never completely close the book on the United Kingdom. For now, his focus remains on securing a head‑coaching position in the NRL and continuing to champion the European competition, ensuring it receives the recognition he believes it deserves.
He described Hull KR as a true home, especially during his final season, making his departure all the more emotional for both him and his family. Peters also praised the broader rugby league community in the region, describing it as “fantastic” and highlighting the sport’s positive trajectory.
He believes the product on display is of high quality and is finally gaining the respect it merits, even in traditional rugby league strongholds like Australia. While he feels the Super League has not always been afforded the respect it deserves, he has always held it in high regard—hence his decision to play and later coach there.
In his closing remarks, Peters thanked everyone who contributed to his journey: the board for their unwavering support, the players for their dedication, the fans for their passion, and even the traveling supporters who added to the atmosphere. He emphasized that the experiences have shaped him into a better person and a more effective coach.
The opportunity to return to the NRL, a long‑standing ambition, is now within reach thanks to the successes he helped forge at Hull KR. The season’s schedule continued with the Super League play‑offs, featuring fixtures such as Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves against Hull KR, leading up to the semi‑finals and ultimately the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
While the Robins’ campaign ended earlier than desired, the legacy of Willie Peters’ tenure—marked by historic triumphs, unforgettable memories, and a lasting imprint on the club’s culture—will endure for years to come.