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, earning a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25. The victory marked the Wolves’ first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs the previous year, and it also signaled the end of Willie Peters’ tenure as Hull KR head coach. Peters had guided the club to a historic 2025 season, delivering the club’s inaugural Super League title, but the defeat and the discipline issues that plagued his side proved to be his final act in charge.
The match began with Warrington asserting themselves early. A well‑timed grubber kick from George Williams created a chaotic scramble near the try‑line; although Joe Burgess initially gathered the ball, he was forced to drop it under pressure, allowing Ben Currie to snatch the loose ball and dive over for the opening try. The conversion by Ewan Irwin put the home side ahead 6‑0, and the atmosphere inside the packed Halliwell Jones Stadium was electric. Warrington continued to capitalize on Hull KR’s indiscipline.
Irwin slotted a penalty for an off‑side infringement, extending the lead to 8‑0 within the first ten minutes. Both teams threatened to score in the corners, with Ashton and Burgess each producing near‑misses that were ultimately forced into touch, but the Wolves maintained their momentum.
Hull KR fought back before the break. A brilliant 70‑metre run by Arthur Mourgue, set up by a precise pass from Jack Broadbent, saw him sprint past the defense and hand the ball to Burgess, who completed a spectacular try.
Mourgue’s conversion narrowed the gap to 12‑6, and the visitors went into the dressing rooms with a realistic chance of turning the tide. The second half opened dramatically when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch on George Williams just three minutes after the restart. Although the impact appeared minimal, the referee deemed the contact sufficient for a dismissal, leaving Hull KR with only twelve men for the remainder of the contest.
The Wolves wasted no time exploiting the numerical advantage. A swift move to the right flank saw Ashton receive a clean pass and dash over for his second try of the night, bringing the score to 16‑6. Hull KR, now down a player, refused to capitulate. In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away from the defensive line, only to be brought down near the try‑line, where Dean Hadley powered over for a close‑range score.
Mourgue’s successful conversion brought the visitors within four points at 16‑12, reigniting hopes of a comeback. The turning point arrived with just fifteen minutes remaining. James Bentley intercepted a loose pass and launched a counter‑attack that saw Ashton collect the ball and sprint down the touchline for his third try, completing a hat‑trick and restoring a comfortable margin at 22‑12. Shortly thereafter, Albert Hopoate dived over in the corner, and Irwin’s reliable boot added the extra points, pushing the lead to 28‑12.
Hull KR managed a late consolation when Williams slotted a drop‑goal, adding a single point, and Toby King crossed for a final try as the clock wound down. The final whistle confirmed a 35‑12 triumph for Warrington, securing their spot in the semi‑final against Leeds and ending Hull KR’s season. Post‑match, Hull KR’s outgoing coach Willie Peters addressed the media, acknowledging that discipline had been a recurring issue throughout the campaign.
"Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately it did again tonight," he said, adding that despite the red card, he was proud of his players’ resilience. He praised Peta Hiku’s contributions over three seasons, noting that the incident, while regrettable, did not diminish the player’s overall impact. Warrington’s head coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, expressing satisfaction with his squad’s performance. He highlighted the dominance displayed in the first half and emphasized the importance of precision, noting that a few missed opportunities could have sealed the game even earlier.
Burgess lauded the team’s ability to stay focused despite the reduced numbers and praised the crowd’s support throughout the encounter. Looking ahead, the Wolves will travel to Leeds on Friday, September 25, with an 8 p.m. kickoff on Sky Sports, aiming to secure a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity the following day, September 26, at 5.30 p.m., also on Sky Sports, as the playoff picture continues to take shape.
The Super League playoffs remain in full swing, delivering high‑stakes rugby league across the country. Fans can follow all remaining fixtures live on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final, where the champion will be crowned at the iconic Old Trafford stadium.