Warrington Wolves secured a place in the Super League semi‑finals with a convincing 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, setting up a clash with Leeds Rhinos on September 25. The victory marked Warrington's first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign after missing the playoffs the previous year.
It also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as Hull KR head coach, capping off a historic period that saw the club capture its inaugural Super League title in 2025. The match opened with Warrington taking an early lead. A well‑timed grubber kick from George Williams sent the ball deep into Hull KR territory.
Joe Burgess gathered the kick but fumbled slightly, allowing Ben Currie to pounce and dive over the line. Currie's try was converted by Ewan Irwin, giving the home side a 6‑0 advantage and energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd.
Discipline soon became a theme. Irwin added a penalty goal after a Hull KR off‑side infringement, extending the lead to eight points within the first quarter of play. Both teams came close to scoring in the corners – Ashton for Warrington and Burgess for Hull KR – but each winger was forced into touch before grounding the ball.
Hull KR fought back before the break. With four minutes remaining in the first half, Jack Broadbent slipped a long pass to Arthur Mourgue, who burst down the left wing, covering roughly 70 metres before laying the ball off to Burgess for a spectacular try.
Mourgue successfully kicked the conversion, narrowing the deficit to 12‑6. Just before the halftime whistle, Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defensive line and found Matty Ashton, who sprinted over for his 100th career Super League try. Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving Warrington with a slender 12‑6 lead at the break. The second half began dramatically when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch on George Williams.
Although the blow appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient to dismiss Hiku, reducing Warrington to 12 men. The Wolves responded instantly, swinging the ball wide to Ashton, who crossed for his second try of the night. The decision was controversial – many spectators believed the pass might have been forward – but the try stood, pushing the score to 16‑6.
Hull KR, now a man down, refused to capitulate. In the 53rd minute, a breakaway by Burgess culminated in Dean Hadley diving over from close range.
Mourgue added the conversion, tightening the contest to 16‑12 and injecting fresh tension into the encounter. With fifteen minutes left, James Bentley intercepted a pass and set up Ashton for a rapid counter‑attack.
Ashton sprinted the length of the field, securing his third try and completing a hat‑trick that would prove decisive. Shortly thereafter, Albert Hopoate dived into the corner for another try, and Irwin's reliable boot added the extra points, stretching Warrington's lead to 30‑12. Hull KR managed a consolation drop‑goal from Williams, followed by a late try by Toby King, but the damage was done. The final whistle confirmed a 35‑12 victory for Warrington, sealing their semi‑final berth.
Post‑match, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, reflecting on the season's discipline issues and praising his players for their resilience. He acknowledged Hiku's mistake, calling it "the wrong thing" but also highlighting the player's three‑year contribution to the club. Peters also expressed pride in the memories created over his four‑year spell, despite the disappointing end. Warrington coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, lauding his squad's performance and noting the team's dominance in the first half.
He admitted that several scoring opportunities were missed, both before and after the break, and emphasized the importance of precision in converting chances, suggesting that a more clinical approach could have ended the contest even earlier. The Wolves now turn their attention to Leeds Rhinos, with the semi‑final slated for Friday, September 25, at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The winner will advance to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m. on Sky Sports, completing the final two spots in the playoff bracket. In summary, Warrington's blend of early aggression, disciplined execution, and the ability to capitalize on Hull KR's missteps – including the crucial red card – propelled them into the penultimate stage of the Super League playoffs. Their next challenge against Leeds promises another high‑stakes encounter as the quest for the championship intensifies.