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 the Wolves' first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 season after missing the playoffs the previous year.
The game turned into a turning point for Hull KR’s head coach Willie Peters, whose tenure ends on a bittersweet note. Peters guided the club to a historic 2025 season when they clinched the Super League title for the first time in their history, but tonight’s defeat and the disciplinary issues that plagued his side have brought his era to a close. The match’s defining moment arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for punching George Williams.
Although the strike was not particularly forceful, it was enough for the referee to send Hiku off, leaving the Wolves with a numerical advantage for the remainder of the contest. Warrington capitalised on the extra space, and the momentum swung decisively in their favour.
The first half was a tightly contested affair. Warrington entered the break with a 12‑6 lead, built on a converted try from Ben Currie, a penalty goal by Ewan Irwin, and a try from Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, who crossed the line after a brilliant setup by Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the deficit and hinting at a possible comeback.
After the sending‑off, Ashton added two more tries, completing a hat‑trick that underscored his clinical finishing. Albert Hopoate also found the try‑line, extending the margin further.
Hull KR’s consolation scores came from Dean Hadley, who managed a try late in the game, and a late drop‑goal from Williams, followed by a final try from Toby King. The Wolves, however, never looked back, sealing the 35‑12 result and a ticket to the semi‑final.
The Wolves will travel to Leeds on Friday, September 25, for an 8 p.m. kickoff broadcast live on Sky Sports. A victory there will send them to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
The other semi‑final will see Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5.30 p.m. on Sky Sports. The opening minutes saw Warrington claim the first points after a clever grubber kick from Williams was partially mishandled by Burgess, allowing Currie to scoop up the ball and score under the posts.
Irwin’s successful conversion gave the home side a 6‑0 lead, much to the delight of 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, pushing Warrington’s lead to eight points within the first 15 minutes. Both teams then missed opportunities when Ashton and Burgess each saw a try denied after spectacular corner‑line runs that were ultimately halted by the opposition’s defense.
Just before halftime, a dazzling 70‑metre sprint by Arthur Mourgue, set up by a Jack Broadbent pass, culminated in a try for Burgess. Mourgue’s conversion trimmed the deficit to just two points.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the line to feed Ashton, who dove over for his 100th Super League try. Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving Warrington ahead 12‑6 at the break.
The second half began with drama as Hiku’s punch on Williams resulted in a red card after just three minutes. The Wolves, now down to twelve men, immediately exploited the situation.
They spread the ball wide, allowing Ashton to score his second try of the night. Although the referee initially hesitated, the try was awarded, extending the lead 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 barreled over from close range. Mourgue’s successful conversion narrowed the gap to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback. Tension peaked with fifteen minutes remaining.
James Bentley intercepted a pass and fed Ashton, who sprinted away to complete his hat‑trick, putting the Wolves firmly back in control at 22‑12. Albert Hopoate then dove in at the corner for another try, and Irwin’s reliable kicking pushed the score to 28‑12. In the final minutes, Williams added a drop‑goal for Hull KR, and Toby King crossed for a consolation try, but the Wolves sealed the win with Irwin’s last conversion, finalising a 35‑12 scoreboard. After the final whistle, Hull KR’s outgoing coach Willie Peters received a standing ovation from the home crowd, acknowledging the legacy he built over four seasons, including the landmark 2025 championship.
Peters expressed pride in his players, noting that discipline had been a recurring issue but commending their resilience. He also reflected on Hiku’s momentary lapse, describing it as a mistake from a player who had otherwise been a valuable asset. Warrington’s player‑coach Sam Burgess, who also starred on the field, praised his squad’s performance, admitting the first half felt dominant yet the scoreline did not fully reflect it. He highlighted missed opportunities on both sides and stressed the importance of precision, noting that a few extra points could have ended the match earlier.
The upcoming semi‑finals set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Super League playoffs, with the ultimate prize – a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford – within reach for both Warrington and Leeds, as well as for Wigan and Wakefield in the parallel bracket. The competition continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, promising rugby league fans an exciting climax to the season.