Warrington Wolves secured a 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 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 was also notable for the dismissal of Peta Hiku, who received a red card early in the second half after a punch on Hull KR's George Williams, leaving his side to finish the game with just twelve men. The first half was a tightly contested affair.
Warrington opened the scoring when a clever grubber kick from Williams was mishandled by Hull KR's Joe Burgess, allowing Ben Currie to scoop up the loose ball and dive over for a try. The conversion by Ewan Irwin and a subsequent penalty goal gave the home side a 6‑0 lead. Hull KR responded quickly, with a spectacular try from Burgess that had been set up by Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap and restoring belief to the visitors. The half‑hour mark saw Warrington extend their advantage through Matty Ashton, who crossed the line and was rewarded with a successful conversion, putting the Wolves ahead 12‑6 at the break.
The second half began with a flashpoint that would shape the remainder of the contest. Just three minutes after the restart, Hiku was shown a red card for a swing at Williams’ face – a move that, while lacking significant force, breached the sport’s strict conduct rules and left Warrington a man down. Rather than being deterred, Warrington seized the momentum.
Within minutes, Ashton added a second try, completing a brace, and later a third, securing his hat‑trick and cementing his status as the match’s top scorer. Albert Hopoate also joined the scoresheet, diving over in the corner to make the final tally 35‑12. Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley after a breakaway by Burgess, and Mourgue converted, but the damage had already been done. Late in the game, Williams added a drop goal, and Toby King finished the scoring for Hull KR with a try in the final minute, but the result was never in doubt.
Warrington’s triumph sets up a semi‑final clash with Leeds Rhinos on Friday, September 25, at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. The winner of that encounter will advance to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity the following day in the other semi‑final.
Beyond the scoreboard, the match was a bittersweet farewell for Hull KR head coach Willie Peters. After guiding the club to a historic Super League title in 2025 – the first in the team’s history – Peters’ tenure ended with this defeat.
In his post‑match interview with Sky Sports, Peters reflected on the season’s highs and lows, acknowledging that disciplinary lapses had cost his side dearly, especially the red card that left them with twelve men. He praised his players for their resilience, noting that despite the numerical disadvantage they continued to fight and even briefly took the lead. Warrington’s own coach, Sam Burgess, expressed pride in his squad’s performance, highlighting the dominance they displayed in the first half and the clinical finishing that followed.
He admitted that the team had left several opportunities on the table, both in the opening half and after the sending‑off, but stressed the importance of precision and composure in tight contests. Key moments of the game included: - Currie’s opportunistic try after a Burgess fumble, which set the tone for Warrington’s early dominance. - Irwin’s penalty goal that extended the lead to eight points within the first quarter of the match. - A spectacular 70‑metre run by Arthur Mourgue, culminating in a try for Burgess just before half‑time, followed by a successful conversion.
- Ashton’s 100th Super League try, a milestone celebrated by the home crowd. - The controversial red card for Hiku, which shifted the tactical dynamics and forced Warrington to adapt defensively.
- James Bentley’s interception that sparked Ashton’s hat‑trick, effectively sealing the game. The atmosphere at Halliwell Jones Stadium was electric, with a packed crowd witnessing a blend of high‑octane rugby league and emotional farewells. After the final whistle, applause echoed for both coaches – Peters for the legacy he leaves behind and Burgess for the ambition he brings to the Wolves.
Looking ahead, Warrington will aim to replicate the disciplined, attacking brand of rugby they displayed against Hull KR. Their next challenge against Leeds will test their ability to maintain composure under pressure, especially after the experience of playing a man down. For Hull KR, the season concludes with a mixture of pride in their historic title win and disappointment at the abrupt end to Peters’ era.
The Super League playoffs continue to deliver drama, with the semi‑finals scheduled as follows: - Friday, September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves, 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. - Saturday, September 26: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with the culmination of the tournament – the Grand Final – set for October 3 at Old Trafford, where the champion of the 2026 Super League season will be crowned.