Warrington Wolves secured a place in the Super League semi‑finals with a commanding 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR in the eliminator played 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 the previous year. The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Hull KR Robins.
Peters, who guided the club to an historic title in 2025 – their first Super League crown – saw his spell conclude amid a disappointing defeat. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch aimed at George Williams.
The incident left Hull KR with only twelve men for the remainder of the game, a disadvantage they could not overcome. **First half – a tight contest** Warrington entered the half‑time break with a slender 12‑6 lead. Their points came from a Ben Currie try that was successfully converted, a penalty goal from Ewan Irwin, and a strike by Matty Ashton.
Hull KR answered with a spectacular try by Joe Burgess, set up by an incisive pass from Arthur Mourgue, which narrowed the gap and hinted at a possible comeback. **Second half – Wolves pull away** The dismissal of Hiku proved decisive.
Within minutes, Ashton crossed the line twice more, completing a hat‑trick that underscored his clinical finishing. Albert Hopoate added a further try, extending the margin to a comfortable 35‑12. Hull KR managed a consolation score through Dean Hadley, but the damage was done. George Williams capped the night with a late drop‑goal, and Toby King added a final try to seal the result.
**Key moments and tactical notes** The opening exchange saw Warrington capitalize on a mis‑fielded grubber kick. Burgess collected the ball but fumbled, allowing Currie to dive over the line.
Irwin’s conversion gave the hosts an early 6‑0 lead in front of a packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline was a recurring theme. An early penalty awarded to Warrington for an off‑side infringement saw Irwin add two points, establishing an eight‑point cushion within the first 15 minutes. Both sides missed promising opportunities when wingers Ashton and Burgess were driven into touch after near‑perfect corner‑line finishes.
Just before the break, a brilliant 70‑metre run by Mourgue, initiated by Jack Broadbent, culminated in a Burgess try that was converted, narrowing the deficit to 12‑10. However, Kelepi Tanginoa’s break and Ashton’s subsequent dive for his 100th Super League try restored a four‑point advantage for the Wolves.
Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving the half‑time score at 12‑6. The second half began turbulently when Hiku’s retaliatory punch on Williams earned him a red card.
Although the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient for dismissal, reducing Hull KR to twelve players. Warrington responded instantly, spreading the ball wide to Ashton for his second try of the match, pushing the lead to 16‑6. Hull KR fought back, with Burgess breaking away and feeding Dean Hadley for a close‑range effort that brought the score to 16‑12 after Mourgue’s conversion.
The game hung in the balance until James Bentley intercepted a pass, setting up Ashton for a rapid sprint that completed his hat‑trick and gave the Wolves a 22‑12 edge. Albert Hopoate then showcased his speed with a diving finish in the corner, while Irwin’s reliable boot added another conversion, expanding the margin to 28‑12.
In the dying minutes, Williams slotted a drop‑goal and King crossed for a final try, sealing the 35‑12 triumph. **Post‑match reflections** Hull KR head coach Willie Peters, speaking to Sky Sports, praised his players despite the loss: "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’s own head coach Sam Burgess highlighted the team's composure: "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 now travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with kickoff at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. A victory will propel them into the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, in the second semi‑final, also broadcast live on Sky Sports. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes drama, with each match offering a step closer to the coveted championship.
Warrington’s blend of attacking flair, disciplined defense, and the ability to capitalize on opponents’ errors has positioned them as serious contenders for the title. **Match summary** - Final score: Warrington Wolves 35, Hull KR 12 - Try scorers (Warrington): Matty Ashton (3), Albert Hopoate (1) - Try scorers (Hull KR): Dean Hadley (1) - Points from penalties/drop‑goals: Ewan Irwin (multiple), George Williams (1 drop‑goal) - Red card: Peta Hiku (Hull KR) for striking George Williams The Wolves will now focus on preparing for Leeds, while Hull KR begins the off‑season under new leadership, reflecting on a campaign that, despite its early promise, ended in disappointment.