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 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only guarantees a showdown 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 in the 2025 season. The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of Hull KR.
Peters had overseen a historic 2025 season in which the club captured its inaugural Super League title, but the defeat and the disciplinary issues that plagued his side proved to be the final straw. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch on Hull KR centre George Williams. Although the strike appeared more of a glancing blow than a violent blow, the referee deemed it sufficient to eject Hiku, leaving the Wolves with only twelve men for the remainder of the contest.
The numerical disadvantage did not deter Warrington, which responded immediately by extending its lead. Warrington entered the break with a 12‑6 advantage, thanks to a converted try from Ben Currie, a penalty goal by Ewan Irwin and a first‑half try by Matty Ashton. Hull KR had clawed back to within two points when Joe Burgess finished a spectacular length‑of‑the‑field move that began with a deft pass from Arthur Mourgue. However, the momentum swung back to the home side after the red card incident.
Within minutes of the dismissal, Ashton crossed the line for a second time, completing his hat‑trick. Albert Hopoate added another try later in the half, and Irwin's reliable boot added a late penalty and a drop‑goal, pushing the score to a comfortable margin. Hull KR managed a consolation try from Dean Hadley, but the damage was already done; Williams added a further drop‑goal and Toby King finished the scoring for the visitors.
The Wolves will now travel to Leeds for the semi‑final, slated for 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, while Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity the following day in the other semi‑final.
Both fixtures will determine the two clubs that will contest the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Key moments from the match: * The opening score came from a brilliant grubber kick by Williams that was mishandled by Burgess, allowing Currie to dive over for the first try.
Irwin converted, giving Warrington an early 6‑0 lead. * Discipline cost Hull KR dearly.
An early penalty awarded to Warrington after a forward pass saw Irwin add two points, establishing an eight‑point cushion within the first 15 minutes. * Both teams missed opportunities when Ashton and Burgess each saw their tries denied in the corners, the ball being knocked into touch before they could ground it. * With four minutes left in the first half, Jack Broadbent threaded a long pass to Mourgue, who sprinted 70 metres before offloading to Burgess for a try. Mourgue converted, narrowing the gap to 12‑10.
* Just before the interval, Kelepi Tanginoa burst through the defense to set up Ashton, who celebrated his 100th Super League try. Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving the half‑time score at 12‑6. * The red card incident at the start of the second half left Hull KR with only twelve men.
Warrington capitalised instantly, with Ashton scoring his second try of the game. The try was controversial, appearing to be a forward pass, but the video referee upheld the decision. * Hull KR fought back in the 53rd minute when Burgess broke through the line and fed Dean Hadley, who powered over for a try. Mourgue's conversion trimmed the deficit to 16‑12.
* With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley intercepted a pass and set up Ashton for his third try, sealing a hat‑trick and extending the lead to 20‑12. * Hopoate added a dazzling corner dive, and Irwin's penalty kick pushed the margin to 26‑12. * Williams slotted a late drop‑goal for Hull KR, and King added a final try in the dying minutes, finalising the 35‑12 result. Post‑match reactions: Hull KR head coach Willie Peters, speaking to Sky Sports, acknowledged that discipline had been a recurring issue for 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." He also praised Warrington's performance and reflected on his own legacy: "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." Warrington Wolves captain Sam Burgess highlighted the team's resilience: "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 Wolves' victory sets up an enticing semi‑final clash with Leeds Rhinos, while the broader Super League playoffs continue to unfold across the weekend, promising more high‑stakes drama en route to the October Grand Final.