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 the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only propels the Wolves into a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but also marks their first appearance in a semi-final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs in 2025. The match featured a dramatic turning point early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for punching George Williams.
The dismissal left Warrington with twelve men, yet the team capitalised on the situation and stretched their lead beyond Hull KR's reach. In the first half, Warrington built a modest 12-6 advantage thanks to a converted try from Ben Currie, a penalty goal by Ewan Irwin, and a score from Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded with a spectacular try by Joe Burgess, set up by a clever pass from Arthur Mourgue, which narrowed the gap and hinted at a possible comeback.
After the sending‑off, Ashton added two more tries, completing a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate crossed the line for his own try. Hull KR managed a consolation score through Dean Hadley, but a late drop‑goal from Williams and a final try by Toby King sealed the Wolves' dominance. The Wolves will now travel to Leeds for the semi‑final, kicking off at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity the following day as the other semi‑final unfolds. The game opened with an early set piece that saw Warrington claim the first points. A well‑timed grubber kick from Williams was partially gathered by Burgess, who fumbled, allowing Currie to scoop up the ball and dive over for a try. Irwin's conversion put the home side ahead 6‑0, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd.
Discipline proved costly for the Robins throughout the match. Early on, Irwin slotted a penalty for an off‑side infringement, extending Warrington's lead to eight points within the first fifteen minutes. Both sides missed opportunities when Ashton and Burgess each saw a try‑scoring chance in the corner thwarted by aggressive defence.
Just before halftime, a brilliant 70‑metre run by Mourgue, initiated by a pass from Jack Broadbent, set up Burgess for a try. Mourgue converted, adding two points and bringing the score to 12‑6 in favour of Warrington at the break.
The second half began with controversy. Three minutes in, Hiku threw a punch that connected with Williams' face, prompting the referee to issue a red card.
Although the strike lacked significant force, it left Warrington down to twelve men. The Wolves responded instantly, swinging the ball wide to Ashton, who crossed for his second try of the night. The try was controversially allowed despite questions of a forward pass, giving Warrington a 16‑6 lead. 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 tension among the home supporters. With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley intercepted a pass and set up Ashton for a final dash to the try‑line, completing his hat‑trick. Albert Hopoate then dove into the corner for another try, and Irwin added the conversion, pushing the margin to 22‑12.
Williams added a late penalty goal, and with just a minute left, Toby King sprinted through for a final try, sealing the 35‑12 result. The Wolves' defense held firm, and the scoreboard reflected a comprehensive victory. After the final whistle, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, acknowledging the impact of discipline on his side’s performance.
He praised his players for their resilience, noting the difficulty of playing with twelve men and the fatigue that set in late in the game. Peters also reflected on his four‑year tenure, highlighting the historic 2025 Super League title and expressing pride in the memories created. Warrington head coach Sam Burgess, who also featured as a player, spoke about the team's composure. He described the match as "strange" but commended the squad for staying focused and delivering a dominant first‑half display.
Burgess emphasised the importance of precision, suggesting that better execution could have ended the contest even sooner. The upcoming semi‑final against Leeds will be a crucial test for Warrington as they aim to reach the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. The Wolves will need to maintain their defensive discipline and continue the attacking fluency displayed against Hull KR if they hope to overcome a Leeds side that has been in fine form. In summary, Warrington's 35‑12 victory over Hull KR was defined by early scoring, a pivotal red‑card incident, and a relentless second‑half surge that left the Robins with little chance to recover.
The win sets up an exciting semi‑final clash with Leeds and keeps the Wolves' championship aspirations alive.