Warrington Wolves secured a place in the Super League semi‑finals with a convincing 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 campaign, after missing the play‑offs the previous year.
The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as Hull KR head coach. Peters, who guided the club to a historic league title in 2025 – the first ever Super League crown for the Robins – saw his tenure conclude after the defeat. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for an alleged punch on George Williams. Although the contact appeared relatively light, the referee deemed it sufficient to dismiss Hiku, leaving Hull KR with only twelve men for the remainder of the game.
Warrington capitalised swiftly, with Matty Ashton crossing the line for his second try of the night, followed by a third that completed his hat‑trick. Albert Hopoate also added a try, extending the lead to a comfortable margin.
Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but the damage was already done. Late‑stage drop‑goal from Williams and a final try by Toby King sealed the 35‑12 scoreline.
**First Half – A Tight Contest** Warrington opened the scoring after a brilliant vision play from George Williams, who delivered a grubber kick that Joe Burgess attempted to collect but fumbled. Ben Currie pounced on the loose ball and grounded it for a try, which Ben Irwin converted, putting the home side ahead 6‑0. The crowd at the packed Halliwell Jones Stadium roared in approval. Discipline soon became a theme.
An early penalty against Hull KR gave Irwin another two points, pushing the Wolves to an eight‑point advantage within the first fifteen minutes. Both teams then saw opportunities denied: Ashton and Burgess each produced near‑misses in the corners, only to be stopped by the touchline.
Just before the break, Hull KR rallied. Jack Broadbent threaded a pass to Arthur Mourgue, who sprinted 70 metres before finding Burgess for a spectacular try.
Mourgue successfully kicked the conversion, narrowing the gap to 12‑6. However, the lead was restored moments later when Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defence and off‑loaded to Ashton, who dived over for his 100th Super League try. Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving the half‑time score at 12‑6 in favour of Warrington. **Second Half – Discipline Costs Hull KR** Three minutes after the restart, Hiku's red card changed the dynamics.
With Hull KR reduced to twelve men, Warrington exploited the extra space. They quickly spread the ball wide, allowing Ashton to score his second try of the match. Although the decision was contentious – some observers thought the pass might have been forward – the try stood, extending the lead to 16‑6. Hull KR refused to surrender.
In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and set up Dean Hadley, who powered over for a try. Mourgue's conversion brought the score to 16‑12, reigniting hope for the visitors. The decisive moment arrived with fifteen minutes remaining.
James Bentley intercepted a pass and fed Ashton, who sprinted the length of the field to complete his hat‑trick. The Wolves then consolidated their dominance when Albert Hopoate dove into the corner for a try, and Irwin added the conversion, pushing the margin to 22‑12. To add insult to injury, Williams slotted a late drop‑goal, and with just a minute left Toby King crossed for the final try, sealing a 35‑12 triumph.
**Post‑Match Reactions** Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, acknowledging the impact of discipline: "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 reflected on his own legacy: "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 coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, expressing pride in 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." He added that precision would be key moving forward: "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 now travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with an 8 pm kick‑off on Sky Sports. A victory will see them into the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 pm, also on Sky Sports, to decide the second semi‑finalist. The Super League play‑offs continue to deliver high‑stakes drama, with each match bringing the remaining clubs one step closer to the coveted Grand Final. Warrington's blend of disciplined defence, opportunistic attacking play, and the ability to capitalise on opponents' mistakes will be crucial as they aim to add another championship to their history.