Willie Peters’ spell at Hull Kingston Rovers has come to a close, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the club’s recent history. When he arrived in 2023, the Robins were a solid Super League side, but under his guidance they transformed into a dominant force that captured the imagination of fans across the north of England. In 2025, just a few short years after taking the helm, Peters steered Hull KR to a historic treble: the Betfred Super League Grand Final, the League Leaders' Shield, and the Challenge Cup.
The achievement was even sweeter because the club added a World Club Challenge victory over the Brisbane Broncos to its trophy cabinet, cementing its status as a truly world‑class outfit. The 2025 season will forever be remembered as the year Hull KR "climbed Everest" under Peters’ leadership.
The team not only lifted the Super League trophy, they also finished top of the regular‑season table to claim the League Leaders' Shield and then triumphed in the Challenge Cup final, completing a rare domestic treble. Their success was not a flash in the pan; the Robins proved they could compete on the global stage by beating the Australian champions in the World Club Challenge, a feat that few English clubs have managed.
Mid‑season announcements confirmed that 2026 would be Peters’ final year in charge of the Robins. He had accepted an offer to become head coach of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs, the newest franchise in the Australian NRL. The club set a clear objective for his swansong: finish the campaign on a high note and give the fans a proper farewell.
Unfortunately, the story did not end with a fairy‑tale victory. After finishing sixth in the regular season, Hull KR were drawn against Warrington Wolves in the elimination round of the playoffs. The match proved a tough test, and the Robins fell short, exiting the competition and ending Peters’ four‑year tenure. Despite the disappointment, Peters reflected on his time at Hull KR with genuine pride.
In an interview with Sky Sports after the loss, he described the four years as "the best four years of my life" and emphasized how much he valued the discipline and character of his squad. "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately tonight, but I can't fault them," he said, acknowledging the fine margins that separate victory from defeat. He praised his players for their resilience, even when reduced to twelve men on the field. "We kept fighting to 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 the group and proud of what they've achieved over the last four years at the club," Peters explained. He highlighted the contribution of veteran centre Peta Hiku, who had been a cornerstone of the side for three seasons.
Although Hiku’s sending‑off in the playoff match was a controversial moment, Peters insisted that his overall impact had been overwhelmingly positive. The coach also spoke about the strong community spirit at Hull KR. "We've got a lot of great memories, that's for sure, but they're still here, still cheering for their team. We're a close‑knit club.
We're a club that wanted to win trophies, and we have, but the fight tonight shows what this place is about," he remarked. He recalled the warmth he felt from supporters, noting that the love from fans and players alike had made his stay in Hull truly special. Peters’ affection for the club extended beyond the pitch. He recalled a piece of advice from former Rabbitohs star Russell Crowe, who once told him that sport is fundamentally about love and connection.
"When you're part of a family and create the right environment, especially in sport, where everyone cares about each other, you can do wonderful things," Peters said, underscoring the importance of mutual respect and camaraderie. Looking ahead, Peters expressed excitement about his upcoming role with the PNG Chiefs. He sees the move as an opportunity to make a positive impact on rugby league in Papua New Guinea, both on and off the field. "It's similar to what we've done here, but on a bigger scale.
I'm really excited about that challenge," he enthused. While he has achieved his goal of coaching in the Super League, he admits he will never completely close the book on the UK.
"We've loved it here. This has been home, and probably this year was the first time it really felt like home, which made it even harder knowing I was leaving.
My family and I have loved it, so you never say never," he added. Peters also pledged his continued support for the European competition.
He believes the Super League is finally receiving the recognition it deserves, even in Australia, and hopes the game will continue to grow in the coming years. "The product is outstanding and it's finally getting the recognition it deserves, even in Australia. I don't think Super League has always received the respect it merits, but I've always respected it.
That's why I played here and why I always wanted to coach here," he said. In his farewell remarks, Peters thanked the board, the staff, the fans, and the wider rugby league community for their unwavering support.
He highlighted how the experience has made him a better person and a better coach. "Just thank you for the memories and thank you for the support they've given me. They've made me a better person and a better coach," he said, before concluding with gratitude to the away supporters who had travelled to Hull and shown their solidarity. The 2026 Super League playoffs continue, with Hull KR now out of contention.
Upcoming fixtures include Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards on September 18, Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19, and the semi‑finals on September 25 and 26, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. While the Robins' journey this season has ended, the legacy of Willie Peters’ tenure—marked by unprecedented success, strong community ties, and a lasting love for the game—will remain a benchmark for future coaches and a source of pride for Hull KR supporters for years to come.