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 guarantees a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25 but also marks Warrington’s first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs the previous year. The result also signals the end of Willie Peters’ tenure as head coach of the Robins; his four‑year spell included a historic 2025 season in which he guided Hull KR to their inaugural Super League title.
The match’s turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch aimed at George Williams. The dismissal left Hull KR with just twelve men, and Warrington quickly turned the numerical advantage into points. Early in the game, Warrington had built a modest 12‑6 lead at the break, thanks to a converted try by Ben Currie, a penalty kick from Ewan Irwin, and a strike from Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded before the interval with a spectacular try by Joe Burgess, set up by Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the deficit.
After the half‑time whistle, the Wolves continued to press. Within minutes of Hiku’s ejection, Ashton crossed the line for his second try of the night, and a subsequent effort saw him complete a hat‑trick. Albert Hopoate added a further try, extending the lead to 35‑12.
Hull KR managed a consolation score through Dean Hadley, but a late drop‑goal by Williams and a final try from Toby King sealed the result. The victory sets up a high‑stakes encounter with Leeds Rhinos on Friday, September 25, at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, with the winner advancing to 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. **Match Narrative** The opening exchanges were tightly contested. Warrington opened the scoring after a clever grubber kick from Williams was mishandled by Burgess, allowing Currie to scoop up the ball and dive over for the first try. Irwin’s conversion gave the home side an early 6‑0 advantage in front of a packed Halliwell Jones crowd.
Discipline issues soon plagued Hull KR; an early penalty conceded by the visitors saw Irwin add two more points, pushing the Wolves’ lead to eight within the first fifteen minutes. Both teams created chances in the corners, with Ashton and Burgess each seeing the ball grounded just short of the line, only to be forced out of play by aggressive defending.
With four minutes remaining in the first half, Hull KR produced a dazzling 70‑metre move. Jack Broadbent fed Mourgue, who sidestepped multiple tacklers before offloading to Burgess, who finished the play. Mourgue’s conversion added two points, narrowing the gap to 12‑6. The half‑time whistle blew shortly after Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defense to set up Ashton, who sprinted to the try‑line for his 100th Super League try.
Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving the score at 12‑6 in favour of Warrington. **Second Half Drama** Three minutes into the second period, Hiku’s retaliatory punch on Williams resulted in a straight red card. Although the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient for dismissal, leaving Hull KR a man down for the remainder of the game.
Warrington seized the moment, spreading the ball wide to Ashton, who scored his second try of the night. The referee ruled the pass forward, allowing the try to stand and extending the lead to 16‑6.
Hull KR refused to capitulate. In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and passed to Dean Hadley, who powered over for a try.
Mourgue’s conversion trimmed the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback. With the clock winding down, James Bentley intercepted a pass and set up Ashton for the final try of his hat‑trick, a run that showcased his speed and finishing ability. Shortly after, Hopoate dove into the corner for a try, and Irwin’s successful conversion pushed the Wolves’ advantage to 30‑12.
Williams added a late drop‑goal, and in the final minute Toby King crossed for a consolation try, cementing the 35‑12 scoreboard. **Post‑Match Reactions** Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, acknowledging that discipline had cost his side dearly: "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 praised Warrington’s performance while expressing pride in his own squad’s achievements over the past four years, noting the memorable moments and the challenge of playing with twelve men.
Peters also reflected on Hiku’s momentary lapse, describing it as “probably the wrong thing” but emphasizing the player’s overall contribution during his three‑year stint. Warrington coach Sam Burgess, also speaking to Sky Sports, lauded his 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." He admitted that the Wolves could have been more clinical, leaving a few opportunities unused, and stressed the importance of precision throughout a match. "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," he added. **Looking Ahead** Warrington now turns its focus to the semi‑final against Leeds, where a win will secure a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford. The Wolves will aim to build on their disciplined, attacking display and avoid the pitfalls that plagued Hull KR.
Meanwhile, Hull KR will reflect on a season that saw them lift the Super League trophy for the first time in 2025, and they will bid farewell to coach Willie Peters, whose legacy includes that historic triumph. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑octane rugby league, with live coverage on Sky Sports until the Grand Final on October 3.