Willie Peters’ spell at Hull KR has drawn to a close, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the club’s recent history. In 2025, under his stewardship, Hull KR achieved a feat that only four other clubs had managed in the three decades of the Super League: they lifted the Grand Final trophy. This triumph was the pinnacle of a season that saw the Robins dominate every major competition they entered. They secured the Betfred Super League title, captured the League Leaders' Shield, won the Challenge Cup, and capped the year with a World Club Challenge victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
In short, they collected every major piece of silverware on offer, establishing themselves as the team to beat, even if no rival could finally overcome them. Mid‑season it was announced that 2026 would be Peters’ farewell year with Hull KR. He had accepted an invitation to become the inaugural head coach of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, the newest franchise in the Australian NRL.
The club set a clear objective for his final campaign: finish on a high note and give the departing coach a proper send‑off. Unfortunately, the Robins fell short of a fairy‑tale conclusion.
After finishing sixth in the regular season, they were eliminated in the first knockout round by Warrington Wolves. The loss was a disappointment, but Peters reflected on his tenure with genuine pride. "These have been the best four years of my life," he told Sky Sports after the defeat. "Discipline cost us dearly tonight, but I cannot blame the players.
I am immensely proud of the way they fought to the very end. Warrington played a superb game and have been a strong side all season. I wish them all the best, but I am incredibly proud of our group and what we have achieved together at this club. We have created a wealth of beautiful memories." He acknowledged the challenges of playing with a reduced side, noting how the team managed to surge ahead by two points before the opposition turned the tide.
Fatigue, he admitted, crept in during the final stages, and a controversial sending‑off for Peta Hiku added to the drama. "Peta has been outstanding for three years," Peters said.
"What happened was probably the wrong decision, but his contributions have been immense." Peters also spoke about the close‑knit nature of Hull KR. "We are a club that wanted trophies and we delivered. The fight we showed tonight epitomises what this place is about. We were beaten, but we never stopped battling.
My family and I have had an absolute ball here; we will never forget our time in Hull." He highlighted the importance of love and community in sport. Recalling a comment from Russell Crowe during his time at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Peters said, "Love is essential. When you are part of a family and create the right environment, where everyone cares for each other, you can achieve wonderful things. I have felt the love from the fans and the players, and I love them back.
That mutual respect allows you to accomplish special things." Looking ahead, Peters expressed excitement about his new role in Papua New Guinea. He sees the opportunity to make a positive impact both on and off the field, scaling up the work he did at Hull KR to a national level. "It is similar to what we have done here, but on a bigger scale.
I am really excited about that challenge," he said. Although his Super League chapter is finished, Peters admitted he will never completely close the book on the UK.
He remains a staunch supporter of the European competition and hopes it receives the recognition it deserves. "We have loved it here. This has been home, and this year felt more like home than ever, which makes leaving harder.
My family and I have loved it, so you never say never," he added. Peters praised the support network he built in Hull, the board’s backing, and the broader rugby league community.
"The game is in a positive place and there is a lot of growth ahead in the next few years. The product is outstanding and finally getting the recognition it deserves, even in Australia. I don’t think Super League has always received the respect it merits, but I have always respected it. That is why I played here and why I wanted to coach here," he explained.
He concluded with heartfelt thanks: "Thank you for the memories and the support you have given me. You have made me a better person and a better coach. I now have the chance to return to the NRL, something I have always wanted, and it is thanks to what we achieved together.
The players decide how hard they want to work and where they want to go, and they have been massive for me and my family. I also want to acknowledge the board, who have been incredibly supportive. Everyone at Hull KR, I will miss you dearly. Thank you to the away fans as well – the support has been incredible." The Super League play‑offs continue, with upcoming fixtures including Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards on September 18, Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19, and semi‑finals slated for September 25 and 26.
The competition will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports. While Peters prepares for his next adventure, the legacy he leaves at Hull KR—four trophies, a revitalised club culture, and countless unforgettable moments—will endure for years to come.