In 2025 Hull KR etched their name into the annals of rugby league by becoming only the fifth club in the competition's three‑decade history to capture the Super League Grand Final. That remarkable achievement was largely the result of the strategic acumen and inspirational leadership of head coach Willie Peters. In just his third season at the helm, Peters guided the Robins on a journey that many likened to scaling Mount Everest – a climb that culminated in a season of unprecedented success.
The 2025 campaign was a clean sweep of silverware. Hull KR not only lifted the Betfred Super League trophy but also secured the League Leaders' Shield, triumphed in the Challenge Cup, and capped the year with a decisive World Club Challenge victory over the Australian powerhouse Brisbane Broncos. Each trophy was earned on the field, and the Robins quickly established themselves as the team to beat, even though no opponent could finally dislodge them. Mid‑season, the club announced that the 2026 season would be Peters' swan song in Hull.
He had accepted an offer to take charge of the newly formed Papua New Guinea Chiefs in the NRL, a move that would see him transition from the English Super League back to the Australian competition. The announcement set a clear objective for the final year: finish on a high note and give the departing coach a fitting farewell.
Unfortunately, the story did not end with a fairy‑tale climax. After a solid regular‑season performance that saw Hull KR finish sixth on the ladder, the Robins entered the elimination round against Warrington Wolves. The match proved a harsh reminder of the fine margins in knockout rugby league. Despite a valiant effort, Hull KR fell short, ending their season – and Peters' four‑year tenure – in the early stages of the playoffs.
Reflecting on the defeat, Peters spoke candidly to Sky Sports. "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately tonight, but I can't fault them," he said, acknowledging that the team’s lapses had contributed to the loss.
Yet his tone remained overwhelmingly positive. "I am really proud of them. They kept fighting to the end.
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 the group and proud of what they've achieved over the last four years at the club. We've made a lot of beautiful memories," he added. He recounted the drama of the final minutes, when Hull KR, reduced to twelve men, managed to surge ahead by two points before Warrington, against the flow of play, reclaimed the lead.
"Fatigue always creeps in and it did towards the back end of the game. Peta (Hiku) has been great for us for three years. What he did [get sent off] was probably the wrong thing, but he's been outstanding for me over the last three years," Peters reflected, highlighting the contributions of key players throughout his spell.
Peters emphasized the close‑knit nature of the club and its culture of mutual support. "We've got a lot of great memories, that's for sure, but they're still here, still cheering for their team. We're a close‑knit club. We're a club that wanted to win trophies, and we have, but the fight tonight shows what this place is about.
We were well beaten, but we still showed a lot of fight. My family and I have had an absolute ball. We've loved it over here and we'll never forget our time at Hull KR," he said.
He also spoke about the profound sense of love and belonging he felt from fans, players, and staff. "I do feel loved, absolutely.
Love's important. I remember Russell Crowe saying years ago at South (Sydney Rabbitohs) that it's all about the love, and there's something in that. 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," Peters explained.
Looking ahead, Peters expressed excitement about his upcoming role with the PNG Chiefs. "I love it over here.
I'm really looking forward to the next chapter and to having a positive impact on a country (Papua New Guinea) through rugby league, both on and off the field. It's similar to what we've done here, but on a bigger scale.
I'm really excited about that challenge," he said, underscoring his desire to contribute to the growth of the game in a nation where rugby league is a passion. While he has achieved his goal of coaching a Super League side to multiple titles, Peters admitted that he would never completely close the book on the UK.
"We have loved it here. This has been home, and probably this year was the first time it really felt like home, which made it even harder knowing I was leaving. My family and I have loved it, so you never say never," he added, hinting at the possibility of future involvement in the British game. Peters also pledged his continued support for the European competition, stressing that it deserves greater recognition.
"The product is outstanding and it's finally getting the recognition it deserves, even in Australia. I don't think Super League has always received the respect it merits, but I've always respected it. That's why I played here and why I always wanted to coach here," he said. "I'm proud to have been involved in Super League as a coach, and now I've got some goals to tick off when I return to the NRL." He concluded with heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had been part of his journey.
"Just thank you for the memories and thank you for the support they've given me. They've made me a better person and a better coach. I've now got an opportunity to return to the NRL, something I've always wanted to do, and it's purely because of what they've achieved. At the end of the day, the players decide how hard they want to work and where they want to get to, and they've been massive for me and my family.
I also want to acknowledge the board, who have been incredibly supportive. Everyone at Hull KR, I'm going to miss dearly. Thank you to everyone, including the away fans.
The support I've received has been incredible. So, thank you," he said. The Super League playoffs continue, with upcoming fixtures including Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards on September 18, Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR on September 19, followed by the semi‑finals: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves on September 25 and Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity on September 26. The road leads to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the champion of the season will be crowned.
Willie Peters' legacy at Hull KR will be measured not only by the trophies he collected but also by the culture he fostered—a culture of resilience, camaraderie, and unwavering love for the game. As he prepares to embark on a new adventure in Papua New Guinea, the Robins and their supporters will remember his four years as a golden era that transformed the club’s identity and set a benchmark for future success.