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 held at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only guarantees a clash 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 match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as Hull KR head coach. Peters had overseen a historic 2025 season that delivered the club its inaugural Super League title, but the defeat and subsequent disciplinary issues meant his era with the Robins concluded on a somber note.
The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for punching George Williams. Although the strike was relatively light, it was enough to see Hiku expelled, leaving Hull KR to complete the game with just twelve men.
Warrington capitalised swiftly, with Matty Ashton breaking through for his second try of the night, eventually completing a hat‑trick. Albert Hopoate also added a try, further widening the gap. Hull KR managed to add a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but the scoreline was already beyond their reach. Late in the game, George Williams slotted a drop goal and Toby King crossed for a final try, sealing a 35‑12 victory for the Wolves.
The win sets up a semi‑final showdown with Leeds Rhinos on Friday, September 25, at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports.
The other semi‑final will see Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5.30 p.m., also on Sky Sports, with both matches determining the final two teams that will contest the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. **First Half – A Tight Contest** Warrington opened the scoring after a well‑executed early set piece.
A grubber kick from George Williams was gathered by Joe Burgess, who stumbled but managed to offload to Ben Currie. Currie dived under the posts for the opening try, and Ewan Irwin converted, putting the home side ahead 6‑0. The crowd at Halliwell Jones roared with approval as the Wolves took an early lead. Hull KR responded quickly.
Arthur Mourgue orchestrated a sweeping move that saw him sprint down the left wing, delivering a pinpoint pass to Burgess, who finished with a spectacular try. The conversion brought the visitors level at 6‑6. However, discipline began to bite the Robins; an early penalty for off‑side gave Irwin another chance, and his successful kick extended Warrington's lead to 8‑6. Both teams created further opportunities, with Ashton and Burgess each diving for tries near the corners, only to be denied by the touchline.
The half‑hour mark saw Mourgue break through the defense, passing to Burgess for a length‑of‑the‑field effort that was ultimately turned down. Just before the break, Jack Broadbent found Mourgue with a long pass.
Mourgue sidestepped two defenders, sprinted roughly 70 metres, and set up Burgess, who crossed for Hull KR’s second try. Mourgue converted, narrowing the deficit to 12‑6. The final minutes of the half were dramatic. Kelepi Tanginoa burst through the middle, feeding Matty Ashton, who used his pace to dive over for his 100th Super League try.
Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving the scoreboard at 12‑6 in favour of Warrington at the interval. **Second Half – Discipline Costs Hull KR** The second half began with a flash of controversy. Three minutes in, Hiku struck Williams in the face. Though the blow lacked significant force, the referee deemed it a punch and issued a red card, reducing Hull KR to twelve men.
The Wolves seized the moment, spreading the ball wide to Ashton, who crossed for his second try of the match. The try was initially flagged for a forward pass but was ultimately allowed, pushing the lead to 16‑6. Hull KR, now a man down, fought back valiantly. In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away, only to be tackled short of the line.
Dean Hadley collected the loose ball and powered over for a try, with Mourgue converting to bring the score to 16‑12. The game suddenly felt open, and both sides exchanged blows. With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley produced a crucial interception.
Ashton pounced on the turnover, sprinted down the left flank, and grounded the ball for his third try, completing a hat‑trick and restoring a comfortable margin at 22‑12. Albert Hopoate added a brilliant diving try in the corner shortly thereafter, and Irwin’s reliable boot added the extra points, extending Warrington’s advantage to 28‑12.
In the dying minutes, Williams slotted a solitary drop goal, and Toby King finished off the scoring with a late try, sealing the final tally at 35‑12. **Post‑Match Reactions** Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports after the final whistle. He lamented the impact of discipline, noting that the team’s recurring penalty issues had cost them 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," Peters said.
He praised Warrington’s performance and reflected on the memories built over his four‑year spell, acknowledging the difficulty of playing with a reduced side but commending his players for their resilience. Warrington’s player‑coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, expressing pride in his squad’s effort. He described the match as “a strange game” but highlighted the team’s dominance in the first half and the importance of precision in execution.
Burgess admitted that the Wolves could have finished the match earlier if they had capitalised on more of their chances, but he was satisfied with the result and the upcoming semi‑final. **Looking Ahead** The Wolves now turn their focus to the semi‑final against Leeds Rhinos, scheduled for Friday, September 25, at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. A win will propel them into the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where they will vie for the championship trophy.
Meanwhile, the other semi‑final sees Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5.30 p.m. Both matches are being broadcast live on Sky Sports, ensuring fans can follow the drama of the Super League play‑offs as they unfold. The play‑offs continue to deliver high‑stakes rugby league action, with each team battling for a coveted spot in the Grand Final. Warrington’s decisive win over Hull KR demonstrates their intent to challenge for the title, while Hull KR must regroup after a disappointing exit that also marked the end of Willie Peters’ successful tenure as head coach.