Warrington Wolves secured their place in the Super League semi‑finals with a convincing 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR in an eliminator clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only propels the Wolves into a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but also marks the club's first semi‑final appearance since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs in 2025.
The match was also notable for the dismissal of Peta Hiku, who was shown a red card early in the second half for an ill‑advised punch on Hull KR centre George Williams. **First Half – A Tight Contest** The game began with Warrington asserting themselves quickly. A well‑executed grubber kick from Williams created chaos in the Hull KR defense; Joe Burgess gathered the ball but slipped, allowing Ben Currie to pounce and dive over the line.
Currie's try, converted by Ewan Irwin, gave the home side a 6‑0 lead. Warrington extended the advantage when Irwin slotted a penalty for an off‑side infringement, pushing the score to 8‑0 within the opening ten minutes.
Hull KR responded through a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, who finished a sweeping move that began with Arthur Mourgue’s incisive pass and footwork. The try narrowed the gap, and a successful conversion brought the visitors within two points.
Both teams then exchanged a series of near‑misses, with Ashton and Burgess each seeing their wing‑side tries clipped by the touchline. Just before the half‑hour mark, Jack Broadbent released Mourgue on the left flank.
The French play‑maker sliced through the defensive line, sprinted 70 metres and fed Burgess, who completed the move with a try. Mourgue added the conversion, reducing Hull KR’s deficit to 12‑6. The half‑time whistle blew shortly after a dramatic finish: Kelepi Tanginoa burst through the middle, found Matty Ashton, and the winger dived over for his 100th Super League try.
Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving the Wolves with a slender 12‑6 lead at the break. **Second Half – Turning Point and Dominance** The second half opened with a flashpoint that would shape the remainder of the contest.
Three minutes in, Hiku swung his arm at Williams in what appeared to be a retaliatory punch. Although the impact was modest, the referee deemed it sufficient for a straight red card, reducing Warrington to twelve men. The dismissal could have been a turning point for Hull KR, but the Wolves responded immediately.
Warrington spread the ball wide, allowing Ashton to race onto a quick pass and touch down for his second try of the night. The referee ruled the pass legal, and Irwin’s conversion put the Wolves ahead 16‑6 with 35 minutes remaining.
Hull KR, now playing with a man advantage, fought back. In the 53rd minute, a breakaway by Burgess was finished by Dean Hadley, who powered over from close range. Mourgue’s conversion trimmed the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback.
The tension in the stadium peaked as the clock wound down, but Warrington seized a decisive moment when James Bentley intercepted a Hull KR pass near the halfway line. Ashton collected the turnover, surged forward and crossed for his third try, completing a hat‑trick. The try was followed by a brilliant corner dive from Albert Hopoate, who brushed past the last defender to score.
Irwin added the extras, extending the lead to 28‑12. In the final minutes, Williams added a solitary drop goal, and Toby King capped the scoring with a late try, sealing a 35‑12 victory for Warrington. The Wolves’ disciplined defense in the closing stages prevented any further Hull KR incursions, and the final whistle confirmed their progression to the semi‑finals. **Post‑Match Reactions** Hull KR head coach Willie Peters, reflecting on the defeat, praised his squad’s resilience despite the disciplinary setbacks.
"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," Peters told Sky Sports.
He also acknowledged Warrington’s quality, noting, "Warrington played really well and have been a very good team all year. I wish them all the best." Warrington’s own head coach Sam Burgess expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance, emphasizing the importance of precision.
"I’m proud of the group. It was a strange game, but we’re pleased to come through and get another week together. In the first half we felt 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," Burgess said.
**Looking Ahead** The Wolves now travel to Headingley to face Leeds Rhinos on Friday, September 25, with kickoff at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. A win will send Warrington to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, in the other semi‑final, also broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes drama, with each match bringing teams one step closer to the coveted Grand Final. Warrington’s blend of attacking flair, defensive solidity, and the ability to overcome adversity—exemplified by playing a man down for most of the second half—positions them as a formidable contender as the season reaches its climax.