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 at 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 match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Robins. Peters, who guided Hull KR to a historic title in 2025 – the club's first Super League crown – saw his spell finish in disappointment as his side fell short in the knockout round.
The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for an alleged punch on George Williams. Although the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient to eject Hiku, leaving Hull KR to finish the game with just twelve men. Warrington entered the break with a slender 12‑6 lead, having built the advantage through a Ben Currie try that was converted, a penalty goal from Ewan Irwin, and a try by Matty Ashton.
Hull KR responded before the interval with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, who finished a sweeping move that began with Arthur Mourgue’s incisive line break, narrowing the deficit. The second half opened with Warrington exploiting the numerical advantage created by Hiku’s dismissal. Ashton capitalised quickly, scoring his second try of the night and completing a hat‑trick after a further try later in the period.
Albert Hopoate also crossed the line, adding to the Wolves’ tally. Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but the damage was already done. A late drop‑goal by Williams and a final try from Toby King sealed a comprehensive victory for Warrington. Looking ahead, Warrington travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with kick‑off scheduled for 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The winner will move on to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
The other semi‑final pits Wigan Warriors against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m. on Sky Sports. The game began with an early exchange of possession, and Warrington were the first to score. A clever grubber kick from Williams was gathered by Burgess, who momentarily lost control, allowing Currie to pounce and dive over for a try.
Irwin’s conversion gave the home side a 6‑0 lead, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline proved costly for Hull KR throughout the match.
Warrington turned the opposition’s infringements into points, with Irwin slotting a penalty for off‑side early on, extending the lead to eight points within the first fifteen minutes. Both teams missed several opportunities in the corners, with Ashton and Burgess each seeing their tries denied after being driven into touch.
Just before the half‑hour mark, Hull KR mounted a promising attack. Jack Broadbent fed Mourgue, who burst down the left wing, covering roughly 70 metres before passing to Burgess for a near‑sure try. Mourgue converted, cutting the margin to just two points. The dead‑lock was broken moments later when Kelepi Tanginoa broke through the defensive line, delivering the ball to Ashton.
The winger sprinted in and dived over for his 100th career Super League try. Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving Warrington ahead 12‑6 at the break.
The early minutes of the second half were dominated by the fallout from Hiku’s red card. Though the punch appeared light, the referee’s decision left Hull KR with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of the contest. Warrington seized the moment, swinging the ball wide to Ashton, who scored his second try of the night.
The referee ruled the pass legal, and the Wolves stretched their lead to 16‑6 with 35 minutes still to play. Hull KR refused to capitulate. 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 contest suddenly felt very much alive again.
Tension rose inside the stadium, but a decisive interception by James Bentley turned the tide. Bentley stripped the ball from a Hull KR attacker, and Ashton raced away to complete his hat‑trick, extending the lead to 20‑12.
Albert Hopoate then added a brilliant corner‑line dive, while Irwin’s reliable boot pushed the margin to 24‑12. To add insult to injury, Williams slotted a late drop‑goal for Hull KR, and in the final minute Toby King crossed for a try, sealing a 35‑12 victory and a place in the semi‑finals. The match concluded with a standing ovation for departing Hull KR coach Willie Peters, whose four‑year spell produced a championship and a strong, competitive side.
Meanwhile, Warrington’s player‑coach Sam Burgess celebrated with his family, reflecting on the significance of the win for the club’s ambitions. In post‑match comments, Peters told Sky Sports, “Discipline has cost us a lot this season and it cost us again tonight. I can’t fault the players – they fought until the end. Warrington have been a great side all year and I wish them the best.
I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past four years.” Warrington head coach Sam Burgess added, “I’m proud of the group. It was a strange game, but we’re pleased to come through and get another week together. We dominated the first half and were disappointed with the scoreline. We left a few tries on the table and need to work on precision – those little moments add up and could have finished the game earlier.” The Super League playoffs continue to unfold live on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.