Warrington Wolves secured a place in the Super League semi‑finals with a commanding 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR in the eliminator 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 the previous year. The match unfolded with Warrington taking an early lead, thanks to a well‑executed try by Ben Currie that was converted by Ewan Irwin, followed by a penalty goal and a strike from Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, whose try was set up by Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap and keeping the contest alive at the break.
At halftime, the Wolves held a modest 12‑6 advantage. The second half, however, delivered a dramatic turning point when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for an ill‑advised punch on George Williams.
The dismissal reduced Warrington to twelve men, but the team quickly turned the situation to their advantage. Ashton capitalised by scoring two more tries, completing a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate added another crossing the line to extend the lead. Hull KR managed to add a consolation try through Dean Hadley, but the damage was already done.
Williams sealed the victory with a late drop‑goal, and Toby King finished the scoring with a final try, cementing the 35‑12 result. The win sets up a semi‑final clash with Leeds Rhinos on Friday, September 25, at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. The other semi‑final will see Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m., also on Sky Sports, with both matches determining the finalists for the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Key moments of the game included an early try for Warrington when a grubber kick from Williams was mishandled by Burgess, allowing Currie to dive over the line. Irwin’s successful conversion gave the home side a 6‑0 lead, energising the packed crowd.
Discipline issues plagued Hull KR throughout the encounter; a penalty awarded to Warrington for off‑side play gave Irwin another opportunity to add points, pushing the lead to eight early on. Both teams missed several promising opportunities in the first half, with Ashton and Burgess each seeing their tries denied in the corner. However, a spectacular 70‑metre run by Arthur Mourgue, initiated by a Jack Broadbent pass, set up a try for Burgess just before the break. Mourgue’s conversion added two more points, tightening the score to 12‑6.
The second half began with the controversial red card for Hiku after a light‑hearted punch on Williams. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Warrington responded immediately, swinging the ball wide to Ashton, who brushed past the defense to score his second try of the night.
The referee ruled the pass legal, and the Wolves surged ahead 16‑6. Hull KR refused to surrender, and in the 53rd minute Dean Hadley broke through and grounded the ball after a breakaway by Burgess, reducing the deficit to 16‑12 after Mourgue’s conversion. The momentum seemed to swing, but Warrington’s resilience shone through. With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley intercepted a pass and fed Ashton, who sprinted the length of the field to complete his hat‑trick, restoring a comfortable margin.
Albert Hopoate then added a dazzling corner dive, and Irwin’s reliable boot kicked another penalty, pushing the lead to 16 points. Williams added a late drop‑goal for Hull KR, and King’s try in the final minute sealed the comprehensive victory. After the final whistle, the Wolves’ supporters gave a standing ovation to outgoing head coach Willie Peters, acknowledging his four‑year tenure that culminated in the historic 2025 Super League title – the club’s first ever.
Peters, speaking to Sky Sports, praised his players for their determination despite disciplinary setbacks and reflected on the memories created during his spell. Warrington captain Sam Burgess, who also serves as head coach, expressed pride in his squad’s performance, noting that while the first half felt dominant, the team could have finished the match earlier with sharper execution. He highlighted the importance of precision and consistency over the course of a game.
Looking ahead, Warrington will aim to replicate their disciplined, attacking rugby against Leeds, while Hull KR will regroup under Peters’ guidance, hoping to bounce back in future fixtures. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes drama, with the ultimate prize—a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford—still up for grabs. Upcoming fixtures: - Friday, September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26‑16 Leigh Leopards - Saturday, September 19: Warrington Wolves 35‑12 Hull KR (the match detailed above) - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday, September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves, 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday, September 26: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 p.m. on Sky Sports The playoffs will run through to the Grand Final on October 3, where the champion will be crowned at Old Trafford.