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 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 result also brings an end to Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Robins; he guided Hull KR to a historic 2025 season in which the club captured its inaugural Super League title. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for punching George Williams.
The Wolves, now down to twelve men, turned the numerical advantage into a decisive surge that Hull KR could not match. Warrington entered halftime with a slender 12‑6 lead, thanks to a converted try by Ben Currie, a penalty from Ewan Irwin, and a score from Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, who finished a sweeping move that began with Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap. After the dismissal, Ashton added two more tries to complete a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate also crossed the line, extending the lead.
Hull KR managed a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but a late drop‑goal by Williams and a final try from Toby King sealed a comprehensive defeat for the visitors. Warrington will travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with an 8 p.m. kickoff on Sky Sports, while Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity the following day in the other semi‑final. The match began with an early set-piece that saw Warrington claim the opening points.
A clever grubber kick from Williams was mishandled by Burgess, allowing Currie to scoop up the ball and score under the posts. Irwin's conversion put the home side ahead 6‑0, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline proved costly for Hull KR, as Irwin added a penalty for off‑side, giving Warrington an eight‑point cushion within the first fifteen minutes. Both teams then missed opportunities, with Ashton and Burgess each seeing their wing‑side tries denied by strong defensive pressure.
Just before the break, Hull KR produced a breathtaking 70‑metre run: Jack Broadbent fed Mourgue, who sidestepped defenders and passed to Burgess for a length‑of‑the‑field try. Mourgue's conversion added two points, bringing the score to 12‑6 in favour of Warrington at the interval.
The second half opened dramatically when Hiku's alleged punch on Williams resulted in a straight red card. Though the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient to eject the player, leaving Hull KR with only twelve men. Warrington capitalised immediately, swinging the ball wide for Ashton to score his second try. The referee awarded the try despite concerns of a forward pass, and the Wolves stretched their lead to 16‑6.
Hull KR refused to surrender. In the 53rd minute, a breakaway by Burgess culminated in Dean Hadley diving over from close range, and Mourgue's successful conversion narrowed the deficit to 16‑12. The game hung in the balance, but a pivotal interception by James Bentley set up Ashton for a final dash to the try line, completing his hat‑trick and pushing the score to 20‑12. Albert Hopoate then added a dazzling corner dive, and Irwin's reliable boot extended the margin to 26‑12.
Williams slotted a late penalty, and with a minute remaining, King crossed for the final try, sealing a 35‑12 victory and a semi‑final berth. After the final whistle, Hull KR's outgoing coach Willie Peters received a standing ovation for the dynasty he built over four seasons, highlighted by the 2025 championship.
Burgess celebrated with his family, reflecting on his ambition to achieve a similar legacy at Warrington. In post‑match comments to Sky Sports, Peters acknowledged the discipline issues that plagued his side: "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 and expressed pride in the memories created during his tenure.
Warrington head coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, saying: "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. We left two or three tries out there and probably a couple more in the second half.
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." The Super League playoffs continue live on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.