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 Warrington's first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs in 2025.
The result also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as Hull KR head coach; his four‑year spell included a historic 2025 season in which he guided the club to its inaugural Super League title. The match turned on a dramatic incident early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch aimed at George Williams. The dismissal left Hull KR with only twelve men for the remainder of the game, and Warrington quickly turned the numerical advantage into points.
Matty Ashton, who had already crossed the line once, added two more tries after the sending‑off, completing a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate also found the try‑line to complete the whitewash. Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but the damage was done. Late in the contest, Williams added a drop‑goal and Toby King finished the scoring with a try, sealing a 35‑12 victory for the Wolves. The first half had been a tightly contested affair.
Warrington entered the interval with a 12‑6 lead, thanks to a Ben Currie try converted by Ewan Irwin, a penalty goal from Irwin, and an early Matty Ashton score. Hull KR responded with a spectacular try from Joe Burgess, set up by an incisive pass from Arthur Mourgue, but they could not close the gap before the break.
The opening minutes of the game saw Warrington claim the early points. A clever grubber kick from George Williams was fielded by Burgess, who fumbled it, allowing Currie to recover and dive over for the first try. Irwin's conversion gave the home side a 6‑0 advantage, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline proved costly for the Robins throughout the match.
Early on, Irwin slotted a penalty for an off‑side infringement, extending Warrington's lead to eight points within the first fifteen minutes. Both teams missed several opportunities in the corners, with Ashton and Burgess each seeing their try‑scoring chances thwarted by aggressive defending.
Just before halftime, Hull KR produced a moment of brilliance. Jack Broadbent delivered a long pass to Mourgue, who sliced through the defense, sprinted roughly 70 metres and off‑loaded to Burgess, who completed the move with a try. Mourgue added the conversion, narrowing the deficit to 12‑10. However, the lead was short‑lived; on the stroke of the break, Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the line to set up Ashton, who surged over for his 100th Super League try.
Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving the Wolves ahead 12‑6 at the break. The second half began with tension.
Three minutes in, Hiku's ill‑timed punch on Williams earned him a red card. The referee deemed the contact sufficient for dismissal, reducing Hull KR to twelve players.
Warrington seized the moment, spreading the ball wide and feeding Ashton for his second try of the night. Although replays suggested a forward pass, the decision stood, and the Wolves stretched their lead to 16‑6.
Hull KR, undeterred by the numerical disadvantage, fought back. In the 53rd minute, a breakaway by Burgess was finished by Dean Hadley, who powered over from close range.
Mourgue's conversion trimmed the margin to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback. With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley produced a crucial interception. Ashton collected the loose ball and sprinted to the try‑line, securing his hat‑trick and pushing the score to 20‑12.
Albert Hopoate then dived over in the corner, and Irwin's successful conversion extended the advantage to 26‑12. Williams added a late drop‑goal for Hull KR, and Toby King crossed in the final minute, bringing the final tally to 35‑12.
The victory was celebrated by the home supporters, who gave a standing ovation to departing coach Willie Peters for the legacy he built over four seasons. Post‑match, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, acknowledging the impact of discipline on his side’s performance: "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 also praised Warrington’s season: "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." Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess reflected on his team's display: "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." Looking ahead, Warrington will travel to Leeds on Friday, September 25, for an 8 p.m. kickoff live on Sky Sports, hoping to secure a place in 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, completing the final two spots in the championship decider. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes rugby league across the weekend, with each match broadcast live on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final that will crown the season’s champions.