Warrington Wolves booked their place in the Super League semi‑finals after 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 clash with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but also marks the club’s first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, following a disappointing 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs. The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters’ tenure as head coach of the Hull KR Robins.
Peters, who guided the club to a historic first‑ever Super League title in 2025, saw his spell conclude after this defeat, despite the remarkable achievements he delivered during his four‑year stint. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch aimed at Hull KR’s George Williams. The incident left the Robins with only twelve men, and the numerical advantage soon translated into points for Warrington.
The first half had been a tight affair. Warrington entered the break with a 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 with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, who finished a sweeping move that began with Arthur Mourgue’s incisive line break, narrowing the gap and giving the visitors a glimmer of hope. After the sending‑off, Ashton seized the momentum, adding two more tries to complete a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate crossed the line for a further score.
Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but the damage was done. Late in the game, Williams added a drop‑goal and Toby King finished the scoring with a try, sealing a 35‑12 triumph 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.
The winner will advance to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. In the other semi‑final, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5.30 p.m., also on Sky Sports. The match began with an early set piece that saw Warrington claim the opening points. A well‑executed grubber kick by Williams was collected by Burgess, who fumbled slightly, allowing Currie to scoop up the ball and dive over the line.
Irwin’s conversion put the home side ahead 6‑0, sparking cheers from the packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline proved costly for Hull KR throughout the game. Early on, Irwin slotted a penalty for an off‑side infringement, extending Warrington’s lead to eight points within the first fifteen minutes.
Both teams had opportunities to score in the corners, with Ashton and Burgess each missing potential tries after spectacular runs, only to be forced out of bounds by the defending line. Just before the half‑hour mark, the Robins produced a dazzling 70‑metre sprint.
Jack Broadbent supplied a crisp pass to Mourgue, who sliced through the defense and found Burgess in space. Burgess completed the move with a try, and Mourgue added the conversion, narrowing the deficit to 12‑6. The half‑time whistle blew shortly after Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defensive line, setting up Ashton for his 100th career Super League try.
Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving the score at 12‑6 in favor of Warrington. The second half opened with drama. Three minutes in, Hiku’s ill‑timed punch on Williams earned him a straight red card. Although the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient for dismissal, leaving Hull KR with just twelve men.
Warrington capitalised immediately, spreading the ball wide to Ashton, who crossed for his second try of the night. The try was controversially awarded despite questions about a forward pass, but the decision stood, pushing the Wolves ahead 16‑6. Hull KR, undeterred by the numerical disadvantage, fought back.
In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and passed to Dean Hadley, who powered over from close range. Mourgue’s conversion trimmed the margin to 16‑12, reigniting tension among the home supporters. With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley produced a game‑changing interception. Ashton collected the loose ball and sprinted to complete his hat‑trick, extending the lead to 22‑12.
Shortly after, Albert Hopoate dove into the corner for another try, and Irwin’s reliable boot added the conversion, taking the score to 28‑12. In the final minutes, Williams added a solitary drop‑goal, and Toby King finished the scoring with a try, cementing the 35‑12 final result.
As the whistle blew, the crowd gave a standing ovation to departing head coach Willie Peters, acknowledging the dynasty he built at Hull KR. Meanwhile, Warrington’s player‑coach Sam Burgess celebrated on the field with his family, reflecting on the significance of the win for the club’s ambitions. Post‑match, Hull KR coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, saying, "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’s captain‑coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports: "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 playoffs continue to unfold, with live coverage on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.