Warrington Wolves secured a 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, it also marks the club's first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs the previous year. The match was a watershed moment for both sides. For Hull KR, it signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach.
Peters had overseen a historic 2025 season in which he guided the club to its first ever Super League title, but the defeat and subsequent exit from the playoffs have brought his era to a close. For Warrington, the win reinforced the progress made under new boss Sam Burgess, who will now look to build on this momentum against Leeds. The early stages of the game were tightly contested. Warrington opened the scoring when Ben Currie pounced on a loose ball after a half‑volleyed grubber kick from George Williams.
Currie's try was converted by Ewan Irwin, giving the home side a 6‑0 lead. A disciplined penalty kick by Irwin later extended the advantage to 8‑0, and Matty Ashton added a second try before the break, pushing the score to 12‑6. Hull KR fought back in the latter part of the first half.
A sweeping move that began with Arthur Mourgue's incisive run saw Joe Burgess finish with a spectacular try, narrowing the deficit. However, the momentum swung back to Warrington when Mourgue, after a 70‑metre sprint, delivered a precise pass to Burgess, who was then tackled short of the line. The half‑time whistle blew with Warrington holding a modest 12‑6 lead. The second half opened with drama.
Just three minutes after the restart, Peta Hiku was shown a red card for an ill‑advised punch on George Williams. Although the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient to eject Hiku, leaving Warrington with only twelve men for the remainder of the contest. The Wolves responded immediately, exploiting the extra space on the flank. Ashton collected a wide ball and crossed for his second try of the night, a score that was controversially allowed despite questions about a forward pass.
Hull KR, now reduced to eleven, refused to capitulate. In the 53rd minute, a breakaway by Burgess culminated in a short‑range effort from Dean Hadley, who brushed over the line to make the score 16‑12 after a successful conversion from Mourgue. The game seemed poised for a tight finish, but Warrington soon re‑asserted control. A pivotal moment arrived with fifteen minutes remaining.
James Bentley intercepted a pass deep in his own half and sprinted forward, setting up Ashton for a decisive run that completed his hat‑trick. The try was followed by a clinical finish from Albert Hopoate, who dove into the corner to make it 30‑12.
Irwin added a penalty and a late drop‑goal from Williams, while Toby King capped the scoring with a final try in the dying minutes, sealing a 35‑12 triumph. Post‑match, the atmosphere at the stadium was a mixture of celebration and reflection. Fans gave a prolonged ovation to outgoing Hull KR coach Willie Peters, acknowledging the legacy he leaves behind.
Meanwhile, Sam Burgess, who captained the Wolves, expressed pride in his squad’s resilience, noting that the team had created several missed opportunities that, if taken, could have ended the game even earlier. In the press conference, Peters commented to Sky Sports, "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately it did again tonight. I can't fault the players – they fought until the final whistle.
Warrington have been a strong side all season, and I wish them the best. I'm proud of the memories we’ve made over the past four years. When you’re down to twelve men it makes things difficult, but we still put ourselves in the game and even went ahead at one point.
Fatigue set in towards the end, and while Peta’s action was wrong, he has been a great player for us over three seasons." Burgess, speaking after the final whistle, said, "I’m proud of the group. It was a strange game, but we’re pleased to come through and earn another week together.
In the first half we felt dominant, and we left a few tries on the table. Precision is crucial – those small moments add up over the course of a match. We could have finished the game much earlier if we had taken our chances." Looking ahead, Warrington will travel to Leeds for the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. A victory would see them advance to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. The other semi‑final pits Wigan Warriors against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes drama, with each fixture bringing clubs one step closer to the coveted Grand Final. Warrington’s emphatic win over Hull KR not only showcases their attacking firepower but also highlights the importance of discipline and composure in knockout rugby league. As the season draws to its climax, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the remaining teams vie for the ultimate prize.