Warrington Wolves secured their 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 showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but also marks Warrington's first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs the previous year.
The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Robins. Peters had overseen a historic 2025 season in which Hull KR captured their inaugural Super League title, but his spell with the club concluded after the heavy defeat in this knockout fixture.
The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch directed at George Williams. The dismissal left Hull KR with only twelve men, a disadvantage that quickly translated into points for the home side. Warrington entered the break with a slim 12‑6 lead, having built the advantage through a converted try by Ben Currie, a penalty goal from Ewan Irwin and a try from Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded before the interval with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, set up by Arthur Mourgue, which narrowed the gap and hinted at a possible comeback.
Once the second half began, Ashton took advantage of the numerical superiority, scoring two further tries to complete a hat‑trick. Albert Hopoate also crossed the line, adding to the Wolves' tally.
Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but a late drop‑goal by Williams and a final try from Toby King sealed a comprehensive victory for Warrington. The Wolves will travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with kickoff scheduled for 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., also on Sky Sports, with both winners advancing to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
The opening minutes of the contest saw Warrington claim the first points after a clever grubber kick from Williams was mishandled by Burgess, allowing Currie to scoop up the ball and score under the posts. Irwin's conversion put the home side ahead 6‑0, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline proved costly for Hull KR throughout the game. Early on, Irwin added a penalty goal for an off‑side infringement, extending Warrington's lead to eight points within the first fifteen minutes.
Both teams had opportunities to score from the corners—Ashton and Burgess each produced impressive runs, only to be driven into touch before grounding the ball. Just before the half‑hour mark, Hull KR struck back with a dazzling 70‑metre sprint. Jack Broadbent delivered a long pass to Mourgue, who sidestepped defenders and fed Burgess for the try. Mourgue's conversion added two more points, tightening the scoreline.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically at the stroke of halftime. Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defensive line, passing to Ashton, who sprinted to the try‑line for his 100th Super League try. Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving Warrington with a 12‑6 advantage at the break. The second half began with the incident that would dominate headlines: three minutes in, Hiku struck Williams with a punch that, while lacking significant force, was deemed violent enough to warrant a red card.
The Wolves were reduced to twelve men, but they responded immediately, spreading the ball wide for Ashton to score his second try of the match. The referee ruled the pass legal, and the score moved to 16‑6. Hull KR, despite being a man down, fought back.
In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and set up Dean Hadley, who powered over for a try. Mourgue's conversion reduced the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback. Tension rose inside the stadium, but a pivotal moment arrived with fifteen minutes remaining. James Bentley intercepted a pass and fed Ashton, who sprinted away to complete his hat‑trick.
The Wolves' confidence surged, and Albert Hopoate added a brilliant dive‑in try at the corner, followed by Irwin's successful conversion, pushing the lead to 30‑12. Williams added a late drop‑goal for Hull KR, and Toby King capped the scoring with a final try, bringing the final tally to 35‑12. The result confirmed Warrington's semi‑final berth and highlighted the impact of discipline, as Hull KR's red card and earlier penalties proved decisive.
After the final whistle, applause echoed for outgoing Hull KR coach Willie Peters, whose four‑year spell produced the club's first league title and numerous memorable moments. Hull KR captain Joe Burgess celebrated with his family, reflecting on his personal ambition to replicate the historic success he helped achieve.
In post‑match interviews, Peters addressed Sky Sports, acknowledging that discipline had been a recurring issue for his side: "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 praised Warrington's performance and expressed pride in the progress made during his tenure.
Warrington head coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, commending his squad: "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." The Super League playoffs continue to unfold, with live coverage on Sky Sports. Fans can look forward to the semi‑finals on September 25 and 26, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the season's champion will be crowned.