Warrington Wolves secured a 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 in 2025. The win also signals the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Hull KR Robins. Peters, who guided the club to its historic first‑ever Super League title in 2025, will depart after the defeat.
His four‑year spell produced a landmark season for the Robins, but the loss to Warrington brings his era to a close. The match’s turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch aimed at George Williams. The dismissal left Hull KR with only twelve men and gave Warrington a decisive advantage that they would not relinquish. Warrington entered the break with a slender 12‑6 lead, built on a converted try by Ben Currie, a penalty goal from Ewan Irwin, and a try from Matty Ashton.
Hull KR responded before halftime with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, whose try was set up by Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap and providing a brief glimpse of hope for the visitors. When play resumed, Ashton continued his scoring spree, adding two more tries to complete a personal hat‑trick. Albert Hopoate also crossed the line, extending the Wolves’ lead.
Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but it was little more than a footnote as the game wound down. George Williams added a late drop‑goal to further demoralise the Robins, and Toby King finished the scoring with a final try for Warrington. The Wolves will now travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. on Sky Sports.
A parallel semi‑final will see Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m., also on Sky Sports, as the two winners vie for the remaining spots in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. The match began with an early burst of excitement. A clever grubber kick from George Williams was fielded by Joe Burgess, who fumbled the ball, allowing Ben Currie to recover and dive over for a try. Irwin’s successful conversion gave Warrington a 6‑0 advantage, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd.
Discipline proved costly for Hull KR throughout the first half. Warrington capitalised on a series of penalties, with Irwin slotting a penalty goal to push the lead to eight points within the opening fifteen minutes. Both teams missed opportunities when Ashton and Burgess each saw their potential tries halted at the corner, the ball being forced out of play before they could ground it.
Four minutes before the break, Hull KR mounted a spectacular counter‑attack. Jack Broadbent delivered a long pass to Arthur Mourgue, who sprinted 70 metres before off‑loading to Burgess for a try.
Mourgue’s conversion added two points, tightening the scoreline. The deadlock was short‑lived.
On the stroke of halftime, Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defensive line and supplied Ashton, who sprinted to the try‑line to register his 100th Super League try. Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving Warrington ahead 12‑6 at the interval.
The second half opened dramatically when Hiku’s punch on Williams resulted in an immediate red card. Although the strike lacked significant force, the referee deemed it sufficient to send Hiku off, reducing Warrington to twelve men for the remainder of the game. Warrington responded instantly, spreading the ball wide and allowing Ashton to score his second try of the night. The referee ruled the pass forward, and the try stood, extending the lead to 16‑6 with 35 minutes remaining.
Hull KR, now a man down, refused to capitulate. In the 53rd minute, a breakaway from Burgess culminated in a short‑range effort by Dean Hadley, who dived over for a try.
Mourgue’s conversion trimmed the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting tension among the home supporters. With fifteen minutes left, James Bentley produced a crucial interception. Ashton collected the loose ball and sprinted away, completing his hat‑trick and pushing the Wolves’ advantage to 20‑12.
Albert Hopoate then added a dazzling corner dive, and Irwin’s successful conversion stretched the margin to 26‑12. To add insult to injury, Williams slotted a late drop‑goal, and with a minute remaining, Toby King broke through for a final try, sealing a 35‑12 triumph. After the final whistle, Hull KR’s outgoing coach Willie Peters received an extended ovation from the crowd, acknowledging the dynasty he built over the past four years. Meanwhile, Warrington captain Sam Burgess celebrated with his family on the field, reflecting on his own ambitions to leave a lasting legacy at the club.
In post‑match interviews, Peters spoke to Sky Sports, saying, “Discipline has cost us a lot this season and it cost us again tonight. I can’t fault the players – I’m extremely proud of them.
They fought until the end. Warrington have been a great side all year and I wish them the best. When you’re down to twelve men it makes things difficult, but we still put ourselves in the game and even went ahead for a moment.
Fatigue set in late and Peta’s action was probably the wrong thing, but he’s been outstanding for us over three years.” Warrington head coach Sam Burgess added, “I’m proud of the group. It was a strange game but we’re pleased to get through and have another week together.
In the first half we felt dominant and were disappointed with the scoreline. We left a couple of tries on the field and need to work on precision – those small moments add up. We could have finished the game much earlier.” The upcoming semi‑final schedule is as follows: - Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves, 8 p.m.
(Sky Sports) - Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 p.m. (Sky Sports) The Super League playoffs continue to unfold live on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.