Warrington Wolves secured their 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 propels the Wolves into a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but also marks the club's first semi‑final appearance since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs the previous year. The match was notable for several dramatic moments, including a red card for Peta Hiku and a series of impressive individual performances that stretched the narrative well beyond a simple scoreline. From the outset, the home side asserted themselves.
Early in the game, a clever grubber kick from Hull KR’s George Williams was mishandled by Joe Burgess, allowing Ben Currie to pounce and dive over for the opening try. The conversion by Ewan Irwin put Warrington ahead 6‑0, a lead that was quickly reinforced when Irwin slotted a penalty for an off‑side infringement, extending the margin to eight points within the first quarter of play.
The packed Halliwell Jones crowd roared as the Wolves built early momentum. Hull KR fought back, however, with a spectacular 70‑metre run that began with Jack Broadbent’s pass to Arthur Mourgue.
Mourgue evaded multiple tacklers, sprinted down the left flank and found Joe Burgess in space, who finished the move with a try that brought the visitors back into contention. Mourgue’s successful conversion narrowed the gap, and the half‑time score stood at 12‑6 in favour of Warrington.
The second half opened with drama. Just three minutes after the restart, Peta Hiku was shown a red card for an alleged punch on George Williams.
While the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient to eject Hiku, leaving the Wolves with only twelve men for the remainder of the contest. The dismissal could have been a turning point, but Warrington responded immediately. They shifted the ball wide, and Matty Ashton, who had already crossed once, raced in to score his second try of the afternoon. The try was initially questioned for a forward pass, but the officials upheld the decision, and the score moved to 16‑6.
Hull KR, now a man down, refused to capitulate. In the 53rd minute, Joe Burgess broke away and set up Dean Hadley, who powered over from close range to make the score 16‑12 after Mourgue’s conversion. The game appeared to be hanging in the balance, with both sides trading blows and the tension inside the stadium palpable. Warrington’s resilience shone through in the latter stages.
With just under fifteen minutes left, James Bentley intercepted a pass deep in his own half and sprinted forward, feeding the ball to Ashton. The winger, already on a hat‑trick, sprinted the length of the field to touch down for his third try, cementing his personal milestone of a hat‑trick and pushing the Wolves’ lead to 22‑12. The Wolves continued to exploit their numerical advantage. Albert Hopoate, a dynamic finisher, dived over in the corner to make it 28‑12, and Irwin added another penalty, extending the margin to 31‑12.
Hull KR managed a consolation drop goal from George Williams, followed by a late try from Toby King, but the final whistle confirmed a 35‑12 triumph for Warrington. Post‑match, the atmosphere was bittersweet for Hull KR.
Their head coach, Willie Peters, who had guided the club to its first Super League title in 2025, delivered an emotional farewell. Speaking to Sky Sports, Peters reflected on the season’s discipline issues, the impact of playing with twelve men, and his gratitude for the players’ commitment over the past four years.
He praised Peta Hiku’s three‑year service, acknowledging the mistake that led to the red card while underscoring the player’s overall contribution. Warrington’s own coach, Sam Burgess, also addressed the media, expressing pride in his squad’s performance and noting that the team had left several opportunities on the field, particularly in the first half. He highlighted the importance of precision and finishing, suggesting that a more clinical approach could have secured an even larger margin earlier in the game. Looking ahead, Warrington now prepares to travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with an 8 p.m.
kickoff on Sky Sports. A win will see them advance to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Meanwhile, the other semi‑final pits Wigan Warriors against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5.30 p.m., also on Sky Sports. The broader context of the playoffs underscores the intensity of the competition.
After a series of tightly contested matches, the remaining teams are sharpening their tactics and managing player fatigue as they aim for the coveted Grand Final spot. The Wolves, buoyed by a strong defensive display and a versatile attacking unit, appear well‑positioned to make a deep run, while Hull KR will regroup under new leadership for the next season. In summary, the elimination match delivered a blend of high‑stakes drama, individual brilliance, and strategic adjustments. Warrington’s ability to maintain composure after a red card, capitalize on set‑piece opportunities, and finish with a prolific try‑scoring display from Ashton and Hopoate ensured a decisive victory.
The result sets up an exciting semi‑final clash with Leeds, promising another thrilling chapter in this year’s Super League playoffs.