In 2025 Hull Kingston Rovers etched their name into the annals of rugby league by becoming only the fifth club in the thirty‑year history of the Super League to capture the Grand Final trophy. That remarkable achievement was largely credited to head coach Willie Peters, who in just his third season at the helm guided the Robins to an unprecedented haul of silverware.
Under his direction the side not only lifted the Betfred Super League trophy but also secured the League Leaders’ Shield, added a Challenge Cup triumph, and capped the season with a World Club Challenge victory over the Brisbane Broncos. In short, every major prize was within their grasp, and for a time Hull KR were indisputably the team to beat. Mid‑season it was announced that the 2026 campaign would be Peters’ swan‑song with the club. He had accepted an invitation to take charge of the newest franchise in the Australian NRL – the Papua New Guinea Chiefs – and the Robins were tasked with sending him off on a high note.
Unfortunately, the story did not end in a fairy‑tale victory. After finishing sixth in the regular season, Hull KR were knocked out in the elimination round by Warrington Wolves, ending Peters’ four‑year tenure on a bittersweet note. Despite the early exit, Peters reflected on his time in Hull with unmistakable pride.
"These have been the best four years of my life," he told Sky Sports after the loss. "Discipline cost us dearly tonight, but I cannot fault the players. I am incredibly proud of them – they fought until the final whistle.
Warrington were a strong side all year and deserved their win, but the memories we created together will stay with me forever." He went on to describe the emotional roller‑coaster of that final match. When the Robins were reduced to twelve men, the team still managed to claw back a lead, only to see it slip away in the closing stages.
Fatigue, he noted, began to set in as the game wore on. He paid tribute to veteran centre Peta Hiku, who had been a cornerstone of the squad for three seasons. "What happened with his send‑off was unfortunate, but his contribution over the past three years has been outstanding," Peters said.
Peters also highlighted the close‑knit nature of the club. "We are a family‑oriented organisation that strives for trophies, and we have delivered. Even in defeat we showed heart, and that says a lot about who we are," he added. He expressed gratitude for the support he and his family received, describing his time in Hull as "an absolute ball" and insisting he would never forget the experience.
The affection between coach, players and supporters was a recurring theme. Peters recalled a piece of advice he once heard from former South Sydney Rabbitohs great Russell Crowe: "It’s all about the love." He agreed wholeheartedly, saying that when a sporting environment is built on genuine care, extraordinary outcomes become possible. "I have felt the love from the fans and the players, and I love them back.
That mutual respect is the foundation for special achievements," he explained. Looking ahead, Peters is eager to embark on his next chapter with the PNG Chiefs.
He envisions a role that will allow him to make a positive impact on rugby league both on and off the field in Papua New Guinea, scaling up the work he has done in Hull. "It’s similar to what we achieved here, but on a larger stage.
I’m excited about the challenge," he said. Although his Super League chapter is now closed, Peters admitted he will never entirely shut the door on a return to the UK.
For now, his focus remains on securing a head‑coach position in the NRL and continuing to champion the European competition he holds dear. He believes the Super League is finally receiving the recognition it deserves, even from Australian observers, and he hopes its reputation will continue to grow.
"This has been home for me and my family, especially this past year, which made leaving even harder," Peters reflected. "The support network here has been phenomenal, and the rugby league community in Hull is fantastic. The game is in a positive place and there’s a lot of growth ahead." He also thanked the club’s board for their unwavering support and expressed his appreciation for the fans, both home and away.
"The players decide how hard they work and where they want to go, and they have been massive for me and my family. I will miss everyone at Hull KR dearly," he concluded. The Super League playoffs continue, with Hull KR’s season officially over after the loss to Warrington.
Upcoming fixtures include Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards on September 18, Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19, and the semi‑finals on September 25 and 26 featuring Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity. The competition will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Willie Peters’ tenure at Hull KR will be remembered as a period of unprecedented success, fierce loyalty, and heartfelt community spirit. As he prepares to take his expertise to Papua New Guinea, the legacy he leaves behind – a trophy‑laden era and a club united by love for the game – will endure long after the final whistle has blown.