Warrington Wolves clinched 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 propels the Wolves into a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, it also marks the club's first semi‑final appearance since the 2024 campaign after a disappointing 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs entirely. The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Robins.
Peters had overseen a historic 2025 season in which Hull KR captured their maiden Super League title, but the loss to Warrington brings his spell in charge to a close. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for punching George Williams. The incident left Hull KR with only twelve men for the remainder of the game, and Warrington quickly turned the numerical advantage into points.
Warrington entered the break with a slim 12‑6 lead, having built the advantage through a Ben Currie try (converted), an Ewan Irwin penalty and a Matty Ashton effort. Hull KR had narrowed the gap thanks to a spectacular Joe Burgess try that originated from an Arthur Mourgue break, but they could not sustain the momentum. Once Hiku was dismissed, Ashton exploded for two more tries, completing a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate added a fourth try for the Wolves. Hull KR managed a consolation try from Dean Hadley, but the damage was done.
George Williams capped the victory with a late drop‑goal, and Toby King finished the scoring with a final try, sealing a 35‑12 triumph. The win sets up a Friday night semi‑final at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, where Warrington will travel to Leeds in pursuit of a Grand Final berth. The other semi‑final will see Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on September 26 at 5.30 p.m.
on the same network. From the first whistle, Warrington imposed themselves. An early grubber kick from Williams was gathered by Burgess, who fumbled it, allowing Currie to pounce and dive over for the opening try. Irwin's conversion gave the home side a 6‑0 lead in front of a packed Halliwell Jones crowd.
Discipline proved costly for Hull KR throughout the first half. Irwin added a penalty for off‑side, extending Warrington's lead to eight points within the opening 15 minutes. Both teams came close to additional scores when Ashton and Burgess each brushed the corner line with try‑scoring attempts, only to be forced into touch by aggressive defending.
With four minutes remaining before the break, Hull KR responded with a breathtaking 70‑metre run. Jack Broadbent fed Arthur Mourgue, who sidestepped a defender and sprinted down the left wing before passing to Burgess, who completed the move with a try.
Mourgue converted, narrowing the deficit to 12‑6. The half‑time whistle blew shortly after a powerful burst from Kelepi Tanginoa, who broke through the defensive line and passed to Ashton. The winger used his pace to dive over for his 100th Super League try.
Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving Warrington with a 12‑6 advantage at the interval. The second half began dramatically when, just three minutes in, Hiku was seen punching Williams.
Although the blow appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient for a straight red, reducing Warrington to twelve men. The Wolves responded immediately, spreading the ball wide to Ashton, who crossed for his second try of the night.
The decision to allow the try, despite a possible forward pass, gave Warrington a 16‑6 lead with 35 minutes to play. Hull KR refused to capitulate. In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and set up Dean Hadley, who barged over from close range. Mourgue's conversion trimmed the score to 16‑12, reigniting the contest and raising the tension inside the stadium.
With fifteen minutes left, James Bentley produced a game‑changing interception. Ashton collected the loose ball and sprinted away, completing his hat‑trick and extending the lead to 22‑12. Albert Hopoate then dove over in the corner, and Irwin's successful conversion pushed the margin to 28‑12.
To add insult to injury, Williams slotted a drop‑goal for Hull KR, and in the final minute Toby King crossed for a try, which Irwin converted, finalising the 35‑12 scoreboard. After the final whistle, the crowd gave a standing ovation to departing coach Willie Peters, acknowledging the legacy he built over four years, including the club's first league title. Meanwhile, Warrington captain Sam Burgess celebrated on the field with his family, eager to continue the club's pursuit of further silverware.
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. I can’t fault the players – I’m really proud of them. They fought until the end.
Warrington played exceptionally well; they’ve been a top side all season. I wish them the best and I’m proud of the memories we’ve created together. Playing with twelve men is always difficult, but we still managed to get back into the game.
Fatigue set in late, and Peta’s action was wrong, but he’s been a great servant for three years." Warrington coach Sam Burgess added, "I’m proud of the group. It was a strange game, but we’re pleased to come through and earn another week together. In the first half we felt dominant and were disappointed with the scoreline. We left a few tries on the field in both halves.
Precision matters; those small moments add up. We could have finished the game earlier if we’d been sharper." The Super League playoffs continue to unfold on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.