Warrington Wolves secured a place in the Super League semi‑finals with a convincing 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR in the elimination match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only guarantees a clash with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but also marks the Wolves' first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs entirely in 2025. The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as Hull KR head coach.
Peters, who guided the club to a historic first‑ever Super League title in 2025, saw his contract conclude after the defeat, leaving the club to reflect on a period of unprecedented success. The game’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 incident reduced Hull KR to twelve men and shifted the momentum firmly in Warrington’s favour. The Wolves capitalised quickly, with Matty Ashton adding two more tries to complete a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate also crossed the line to complete the scoring.
Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but the damage was already done. Late‑stage drop‑goal by Williams and a final try from Toby King sealed a comprehensive victory for the home side. **First Half – A Tight Contest** Warrington opened the scoring after a clever grubber kick from Williams was mishandled by Joe Burgess, allowing Ben Currie to scoop up the loose ball and dive over for the opening try.
Ewan Irwin’s conversion gave the Wolves a 6‑0 lead, which was quickly extended when Irwin slotted a penalty for an off‑side infringement, putting them eight points ahead within the first fifteen minutes. Both teams created chances at the edges, with Ashton and Burgess each seeing their wing‑line runs cut short by aggressive defence, preventing any further early points. With four minutes remaining before the break, Hull KR responded with a spectacular 70‑metre run. Jack Broadbent fed Arthur Mourgue, who sliced through the defence and passed to Burgess for a try.
Mourgue converted, narrowing the gap to 12‑6. Just before the whistle, Kelepi Tanginoa broke the line and fed Ashton, who sprinted in for his 100th Super League try. Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving the half‑time score at 12‑6 in favour of Warrington.
**Second Half – Discipline Costs Hull KR** Three minutes into the second period, Hiku’s ill‑timed punch on Williams earned him a straight red card. Although the blow lacked significant force, the referee deemed it sufficient to dismiss the player, leaving Hull KR with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of the match. Warrington seized the opportunity, spreading the ball wide to Ashton for his second try of the night. The referee ruled the pass legal, and the Wolves stretched their lead to 16‑6 with 35 minutes left on the clock.
Hull KR fought back despite being a man down. In the 53rd minute, a breakaway by Burgess was finished by Dean Hadley, who powered over from close range. Mourgue’s conversion trimmed the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback. The tension in the stadium rose, but a pivotal interception by James Bentley set up Ashton for a lightning‑fast run that completed his hat‑trick and pushed the score to 22‑12.
Albert Hopoate then dived into the corner to add another try, and Irwin’s conversion gave Warrington a 28‑12 cushion. To add insult to injury, Williams slotted a late drop‑goal, and with a minute remaining Toby King crossed for a final try, sealing the 35‑12 result.
**Post‑Match Reactions** Hull KR head coach Willie Peters, speaking to Sky Sports, reflected on the season’s discipline issues: “We’ve paid the price for indiscipline on several occasions this year, and tonight was no different. I can’t blame the players – they gave everything. I’m incredibly proud of the group and the memories we’ve created over the past four years.” He also acknowledged Hiku’s mistake, noting that while the punch was ill‑judged, Hiku had been a valuable asset during his three‑year stint. Warrington’s player‑coach Sam Burgess praised his squad’s resilience: “I’m proud of the boys.
It was a strange game, but we stuck together and earned another week of football. We dominated the first half and could have finished the match much earlier if we’d been more clinical with our chances.” **Looking Ahead** Warrington now travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with kickoff at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. A victory will send them to Old Trafford for the Grand Final on October 3.
Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, in the second semi‑final, also broadcast live on Sky Sports. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes drama, with each match bringing clubs one step closer to the coveted championship title.