Warrington Wolves clinched 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 their first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign after missing the playoffs the previous year. The match unfolded as a dramatic tale of early dominance, disciplinary drama and relentless attacking flair.
Warrington entered the half‑time break with a slim 12‑6 lead, a margin built on a Ben Currie try that was converted, an Ewan Irwin penalty and a strike from Matty Ashton. Hull KR answered with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, whose try was set up by Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap and hinting at a possible comeback. The turning point arrived just three minutes into the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for an alleged punch on Hull KR captain George Williams. While the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient to send Hiku off, leaving the Wolves to play with twelve men for the remainder of the contest.
Rather than falter, Warrington seized the opportunity, quickly extending their lead. Within minutes of the dismissal, Ashton crossed the line for his second try of the afternoon, completing a hat‑trick that would become the highlight of his performance. Albert Hopoate added another score, further widening the margin. Hull KR managed to scrape a consolation try from Dean Hadley, but the damage was done.
Williams added a late drop‑goal to punctuate the victory, and Toby King finished the scoring on the Wolves’ side with a final try, sealing a 35‑12 triumph. The win also signalled the end of Willie Peters’ tenure as Hull KR head coach. Peters, who guided the club to its historic 2025 Super League title – the first in the team’s history – praised his players for their resilience despite the disciplinary setbacks that plagued the game.
"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," Peters told Sky Sports. He also reflected on the emotional weight of leaving the club, noting the memories built over his four‑year spell. Warrington’s coach Sam Burgess, a former player turned tactician, expressed satisfaction with his side’s execution.
"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," he said.
Burgess highlighted the importance of precision, noting that a few missed opportunities in the first half could have resulted in an even larger margin. Key moments of the match included an early try for Warrington when a grubber kick from Williams was mishandled by Burgess, allowing Currie to scoop up the ball and dive over. Irwin’s successful conversion gave the home side a 6‑0 lead, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd.
Discipline again proved decisive when Irwin slotted a penalty for an off‑side infringement, pushing the lead to eight points within the first quarter. Both teams produced near‑misses at the corners, with Ashton and Burgess each grounding the ball only to be ruled out of touch after a hard‑fought battle for possession.
Just before the break, Jack Broadbent fed Mourgue, who sprinted 70 metres before offloading to Burgess for a try. Mourgue’s conversion added two more points, tightening the score to 12‑6.
The second half began with Hiku’s dismissal, but Warrington responded instantly. A swift move out wide saw Ashton finish his second try, and despite questions about a forward pass, the decision stood, giving the Wolves a 16‑6 advantage. Hull KR, now down to twelve men, fought back with determination. In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and passed to Dean Hadley, who barreled over from close range.
Mourgue’s conversion reduced the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting tension in the stadium. The decisive blow came with fifteen minutes left when James Bentley intercepted a pass and set up Ashton for his third try, completing the hat‑trick and restoring a comfortable cushion. Hopoate then dove into the corner for another try, and Irwin’s reliable boot added the final points before the siren.
In the closing minutes, Williams added a solitary drop‑goal for Hull KR, and Toby King capped the Wolves’ scoring with a late try, cementing the 35‑12 result. The match concluded with a standing ovation for departing Hull KR coach Willie Peters, whose four‑year reign transformed the club into a championship‑winning side. Meanwhile, Sam Burgess celebrated with his family on the field, looking ahead to the semi‑final clash against Leeds.
Looking forward, Warrington will travel to Leeds on Friday, September 25, for an 8 p.m. kickoff broadcast live on Sky Sports, hoping to secure a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. The other semi‑final will see Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5.30 p.m., also on Sky Sports. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes drama, with each match bringing teams one step closer to the coveted Grand Final.
Warrington’s blend of attacking prowess, disciplined defending and the ability to thrive under adversity positions them as a formidable contender as the season reaches its climax.