Warrington Wolves clinched a place in the Super League semi‑final by overwhelming Hull KR 35‑12 in an eliminator at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, setting up a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25. The victory marked the Wolves' first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs the previous year. It also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Robins, capping off a historic spell that saw the club capture its inaugural Super League crown in 2025.
The match swung decisively in Warrington's favour early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch aimed at Hull KR's George Williams. Playing with twelve men, the Wolves capitalised on the numerical advantage and stretched their lead beyond Hull KR's reach.
Warrington entered the break with a slender 12‑6 advantage, built on a converted try from Ben Currie, a penalty goal by Ewan Irwin and a strike from Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded with a spectacular try from Joe Burgess, set up by Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap and injecting fresh tension into the contest. After Hiku's dismissal, Ashton added two more tries, completing a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate crossed the line to complete the whitewash. Hull KR managed a consolation score through Dean Hadley, but a late drop‑goal from Williams and a final try by Toby King sealed the 35‑12 result.
The Wolves will travel to Leeds on Friday, September 25, with the match kicking off at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, while Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity the following day in the other semi‑final.
Both fixtures determine the final two teams that will vie for the Grand Final spot at Old Trafford on October 3. The opening exchanges saw Warrington claim the first points after a clever grubber kick from Williams was partially collected by Burgess before a half‑volley fumble allowed Currie to dive over. Irwin's conversion gave the home side a 6‑0 lead, sparking enthusiasm among the packed crowd.
Discipline issues soon plagued Hull KR, and another penalty goal by Irwin extended Warrington's lead to eight points within the first fifteen minutes. Both sides missed several promising opportunities. Ashton and Burgess each saw a try‑scoring chance in the corner thwarted by aggressive defensive pressure, resulting in the ball being forced into touch before either winger could ground it. With just four minutes remaining in the first half, a breathtaking 70‑metre run by Mourgue, initiated by a Jack Broadbent pass, culminated in a try for Burgess.
Mourgue's conversion added two points, tightening the score. The dead‑lock was broken on the stroke of halftime when Kelepi Tanginoa burst through the defensive line, finding Ashton, who sprinted in for his 100th Super League try. Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving Warrington ahead 12‑6 at the interval.
The second half began dramatically when Hiku's alleged punch on Williams earned him a red card just three minutes after the restart. Although the strike appeared to lack force, it struck the Wolves' captain in the face, reducing Warrington to twelve men for the remainder of the contest.
Warrington responded immediately, spreading the ball wide for Ashton to score his second try of the night. The referee deemed the pass legal despite a brief appearance of a forward motion, pushing the Wolves' lead to 16‑6 with 35 minutes left on the clock. Hull KR, now a man down, refused to surrender. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when a breakaway by Burgess was finished by Dean Hadley, who powered over from close range.
Mourgue's successful conversion narrowed the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting the contest. Tension mounted at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, but a pivotal moment arrived with fifteen minutes remaining.
James Bentley intercepted a pass, feeding Ashton, who raced away to complete his hat‑trick. The try proved decisive, as Warrington seized control once more.
Albert Hopoate added a brilliant corner dive, and Irwin's reliable boot extended the margin to 16 points. To add insult to injury, Williams slotted a late drop‑goal, and Toby King capped the scoring with a final try, sealing a comprehensive 35‑12 victory and a semi‑final berth.
The match concluded with a standing ovation for outgoing head coach Willie Peters, whose four‑year spell transformed the Robins into a championship‑winning side. Hull KR's Joe Burgess celebrated alongside his family, reflecting on his own aspirations to achieve similar glory for Warrington. In post‑match comments, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters told Sky Sports, "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. 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. When you're down to 12 men it makes things difficult, but we still put ourselves in the game. We scored at the other end, went two points ahead and then, against the run of play, they scored. Fatigue always creeps in and it did towards the back end of the game.
Peta has been great for us for three years. What he did was probably the wrong thing, but he's been outstanding for me throughout that time." Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess also addressed the media, saying, "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 live on Sky Sports, with the semi‑finals scheduled for September 25 and 26, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.