Willie Peters' spell at Hull Kingston Rovers has drawn to a close, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the club's history. When Peters arrived at the Robins in 2022, few could have predicted the extraordinary success that would follow.
By the 2025 season, Hull KR had secured a place in the annals of Super League by becoming only the fifth club in the competition's three‑decade history to capture the Grand Final title. That triumph was largely credited to Peters' strategic vision, relentless work ethic, and the culture of belief he instilled throughout the squad. In his third year at the helm, Peters guided the team up a metaphorical Everest, delivering a clean sweep of the major domestic honours. Not only did Hull KR lift the Betfred Super League trophy, but they also claimed the League Leaders' Shield for finishing top of the regular‑season table, added the Challenge Cup after a hard‑fought final, and capped the season with a World Club Challenge victory over the Australian powerhouse Brisbane Broncos.
Each piece of silverware was earned through a combination of disciplined defence, inventive attacking play, and a unity that made the Robins the team to beat, even if opponents struggled to match their intensity. Mid‑season announcements confirmed that 2026 would be Peters' final year in charge.
The coach had already secured a coveted role with the newly formed Papua New Guinea Chiefs, the latest expansion franchise in the National Rugby League (NRL). The message was clear: finish the Hull KR tenure on a high note. Unfortunately, the Robins' playoff run was cut short when they fell to Warrington Wolves in the elimination round after finishing sixth in the league standings. The loss was a disappointment for the east Hull faithful, who had hoped for a fairy‑tale conclusion to Peters' four‑year spell.
Despite the abrupt exit, Peters reflected on his time with Hull KR as "the best four years of my life" and expressed immense pride in what he and his players had accomplished. Speaking to Sky Sports after the defeat, he acknowledged that discipline had been a recurring issue throughout the campaign, saying, "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately tonight, but I can't fault them." He praised his squad for never giving up, noting that even when reduced to twelve men, they fought back, briefly taking the lead before ultimately being overtaken. Peters also paid tribute to long‑serving centre Peta Hiku, who had been a cornerstone of the side for three seasons.
While Hiku's send‑off in the crucial match was regrettable, Peters insisted the player's overall contribution had been outstanding. "He's been great for us for three years. What he did was probably the wrong thing, but he's been outstanding for me over the last three years," he said. The coach highlighted the close‑knit nature of the club, emphasizing that Hull KR was built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared ambition, and genuine affection between players, staff, and supporters.
"We wanted to win trophies, and we have. The fight tonight shows what this place is about," he added. "We were well beaten, but we still showed a lot of fight. My family and I have had an absolute ball.
We've loved it over here and we'll never forget our time at Hull KR." Love, according to Peters, was a vital ingredient in the club's success. He recalled a conversation with rugby league legend Russell Crowe during his tenure at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where Crowe stressed that "it's all about the love".
Peters echoed that sentiment, describing the atmosphere at Hull KR as a family environment where everyone cared for each other. "When you're part of a family and create the right environment, especially in sport, where everyone cares about each other, you can do wonderful things," he explained. Looking ahead, Peters expressed excitement about his upcoming role with the PNG Chiefs. He sees the opportunity as a chance to make a positive impact on rugby league in Papua New Guinea, both on the field and within the broader community.
"I'm really looking forward to the next chapter and to having a positive impact on a country through rugby league, both on and off the field," he said. "It's similar to what we've done here, but on a bigger scale. I'm really excited about that challenge." Although his Super League chapter is now finished, Peters admitted that he would never completely close the book on the UK.
He remains a passionate advocate for the European competition and hopes it receives the recognition it deserves. "The product is outstanding and it's finally getting the recognition it deserves, even in Australia," he noted.
"I don't think Super League has always received the respect it merits, but I've always respected it. That's why I played here and why I always wanted to coach here." Peters also took the time to thank the Hull KR board, staff, and supporters for their unwavering support. He emphasized that the relationships forged during his tenure had made him a better person and a better coach.
"I've got a great support network and I've loved working with everyone. The rugby league community over here has been fantastic.
The game is in a positive place and I think there's a lot of growth ahead in the next few years," he said. The coach concluded with a heartfelt farewell, acknowledging that his family had grown to love Hull KR as a second home. "This has been home, and probably this year was the first time it really felt like home, which made it even harder knowing I was leaving.
My family and I have loved it, so you never say never," he said, hinting that a future return to the UK is not entirely out of the question. As the Super League playoffs continue, Hull KR's season officially ended with the loss to Warrington Wolves on September 19, 2026. The upcoming fixtures include Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards, Leeds Rhinos against Warrington Wolves, and Wigan Warriors versus Wakefield Trinity, all leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. While the Robins will be absent from the final showdown, the legacy of Willie Peters' tenure—marked by historic silverware, unforgettable moments, and a culture of love and resilience—will endure in the club's history and in the hearts of its supporters.