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 held at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only propels the Wolves into a clash 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 match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Robins.
Peters had overseen a historic 2025 season that delivered Hull KR’s inaugural Super League title, but the defeat and subsequent disciplinary issues proved costly. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch on George Williams. Although the contact appeared relatively light, the referee deemed it sufficient to eject Hiku, leaving Hull KR with only twelve men for the remainder of the contest.
The numerical disadvantage quickly translated into points for Warrington. Warrington entered halftime with a slim 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 had narrowed the gap thanks to a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, who finished a sweeping move that began with Arthur Mourgue’s incisive pass. The first half was a seesaw battle, with both sides creating clear‑cut chances, but the Wolves managed to stay ahead. The second half saw Ashton explode for two more tries, completing a hat‑trick that underscored his clinical finishing.
Albert Hopoate also crossed the line, adding to the Wolves’ tally. Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but it was merely a footnote as the game slipped away. Late in the match, George Williams added a drop‑goal and Toby King capped the scoring with another try, sealing a comprehensive victory for Warrington.
In the aftermath, Warrington will travel to Leeds on Friday, September 25, for an 8 p.m. kickoff that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The winner of that encounter will move on to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5.30 p.m. on Sky Sports, completing the semi‑final lineup. The game opened with a textbook set piece for the Wolves.
A well‑executed grubber kick from Williams sent the ball into the opposition’s 20‑meter area. Joe Burgess gathered the ball but fumbled slightly, allowing Ben Currie to scoop it up and dive over the try line.
Irwin’s conversion put Warrington on the board first, and the home crowd of a packed Halliwell Jones Stadium erupted in celebration. Discipline proved to be a recurring theme for Hull KR. Early in the first half, Irwin slotted a penalty after a Hull KR player was caught offside, extending the Wolves’ lead to eight points within the opening fifteen minutes. Both teams missed several near‑misses in the corners, with Ashton and Burgess each seeing their tries denied by aggressive defensive pressure.
Just before the half‑hour mark, Hull KR fought back. Jack Broadbent threaded a long pass to Mourgue, who burst down the left flank, covering roughly 70 metres before offloading to Burgess. The winger completed the move with a length‑of‑the‑field try, and Mourgue added the conversion, trimming the deficit to 12‑6. The half‑time whistle blew shortly after Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defensive line and fed Ashton, who sprinted over for his 100th Super League try.
Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving the score at 12‑6 in favour of Warrington. The early minutes of the second half were dominated by the incident involving Hiku. The red card reduced Hull KR to twelve men, and the Wolves capitalised instantly.
They swung the ball wide to Ashton, who grounded his second try of the match. Although replays suggested a possible forward pass, the officials upheld the decision, and the score moved to 16‑6. Hull KR, despite being a man down, continued to battle.
In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and set up Dean Hadley, who powered over from close range. Mourgue’s conversion narrowed the margin to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback.
With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley produced a crucial interception. Ashton collected the loose ball and raced away to complete his hat‑trick, extending the lead to 20‑12.
Shortly after, Albert Hopoate dove into the corner for a try, and Irwin’s successful conversion pushed the Wolves ahead by sixteen points. In the closing stages, Williams added a solitary drop‑goal, and Toby King scored a final try with just a minute left on the clock.
Irwin’s final conversion sealed the 35‑12 triumph, confirming Warrington’s passage to the semi‑finals. The match concluded with a standing ovation for outgoing Hull KR head coach Willie Peters, who was praised for the dynasty he built over the past four years. Joe Burgess, now the Wolves’ head coach, celebrated on the field with his family, looking forward to further success with Warrington.
Post‑match, Peters addressed Sky Sports, acknowledging the discipline issues that plagued his side: "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately it did again tonight, but I can't fault the players. I'm really proud of them. They kept fighting until the end.
Warrington played really well and have been a very good team all year. I wish them all the best, but I'm really, really proud of this group and what they've achieved over the last four years.
We've made a lot of beautiful memories. When you're down to 12 men it makes things difficult, but we still put ourselves in the game. We scored at the other end, went two points ahead and then, against the run of play, they scored. Fatigue always creeps in and it did towards the back end of the game.
Peta has been great for us for three years. What he did was probably the wrong thing, but he's been outstanding for me throughout that time." Warrington head coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, expressing satisfaction with his squad’s performance: "I'm proud of the group. It was a strange game, but we're pleased to come through and get another week together, which is what we came for. In the first half we felt really dominant and were disappointed with the scoreline.
We left two or three tries out there and probably a couple more in the second half. We've just got to understand how important precision is because, over the course of a game, those moments add up. We could have finished the game much earlier." The Super League play‑offs continue to unfold, with the following fixtures scheduled: - Friday, September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26‑16 Leigh Leopards - Saturday, September 19: Warrington Wolves 35‑12 Hull KR - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday, September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves, 8 p.m. on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday, September 26: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5.30 p.m.
on Sky Sports The competition will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, with the winners of the semi‑finals vying for the championship title.