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 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 the tenure of Hull KR head coach Willie Peters, whose tenure included a historic 2025 season that delivered the club’s inaugural Super League title. The match began with an early surge from the home side.
A well‑executed grubber kick from George Williams caught the Hull KR defense off‑guard; Joe Burgess recovered the ball but fumbled it slightly, allowing Ben Currie to pounce and score under the posts. The conversion by Ewan Irwin put Warrington ahead 6‑0 within the opening minutes, and the packed Halliwell Jones crowd roared in approval.
Discipline issues soon surfaced, however, as Hull KR were penalised for off‑side play, giving Irwin another chance at goal. He slotted the penalty, extending the lead to 8‑0 and setting an early tone of dominance for the Wolves. Both teams fought hard for further breakthroughs.
Warrington’s Matty Ashton and Hull KR’s Joe Burgess each produced dazzling wing runs that culminated in near‑scores, but both were halted at the line by robust defending. As the first half progressed, Hull KR managed to claw back into contention when Arthur Mourgue set up a spectacular 70‑metre sprint that ended with Burgess diving over for a try.
Mourgue’s conversion narrowed the gap, and the score stood at 12‑6 in favour of Warrington at the break. The second half opened with drama. Just three minutes after the restart, Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch on George Williams.
While the impact appeared minimal, the referee deemed the contact sufficient for an immediate dismissal, leaving the Wolves with only twelve men for the remainder of the contest. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Warrington responded instantly. A swift ball to the right wing found Ashton, who crossed for his second try of the night. The referee ruled the pass legal, and the Wolves surged ahead 16‑6.
Hull KR, now playing with ten men, refused to capitulate. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when 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 tension among the home supporters.
Yet Warrington’s resilience shone through. With just fifteen minutes left, James Bentley intercepted a pass deep in his own half, launching a counter‑attack that saw Ashton collect the ball and sprint to complete his hat‑trick. The try restored a comfortable margin and seemed to settle the contest.
Albert Hopoate added a further try, diving into the corner to make the scoreline 28‑12 after Irwin’s successful conversion. Hull KR managed a consolation drop‑goal by Williams, and a late try from Toby King added two more points, but the final whistle confirmed a 35‑12 victory for Warrington. Post‑match, Hull KR’s outgoing coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, reflecting on the season’s discipline challenges and expressing pride in his squad’s achievements over the past four years. He acknowledged the impact of playing with twelve men and praised Peta Hiku’s contributions despite the unfortunate dismissal.
Meanwhile, Warrington’s player‑coach Sam Burgess highlighted the team’s dominance in the first half and emphasized the importance of precision in finishing opportunities, noting that a few missed chances could have ended the game even earlier. The win propels Warrington into the semi‑final where they will travel to Leeds on Friday, September 25, with an 8 pm kickoff on Sky Sports.
The other semi‑final will see Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on September 26 at 5:30 pm, also on Sky Sports. Both fixtures are part of the broader Super League playoff series that will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Beyond the immediate result, the match offered several notable storylines. Matty Ashton’s hat‑trick underscored his rising status as a prolific try‑scorer, while the early red card for Hiku sparked debate about player conduct and the fine line between aggression and foul play.
The Wolves’ ability to maintain pressure and score despite being a man down demonstrated depth in their squad and tactical adaptability under coach Sam Burgess. Looking ahead, Warrington will need to manage player fatigue, as the semi‑final against a strong Leeds side will be a stern test of their defensive resilience and attacking flair. Leeds, having secured their own semi‑final berth, will be eager to exploit any lingering fatigue in the Wolves’ backline. For Hull KR, the season concludes on a bittersweet note, with Peters’ tenure ending and the club reflecting on a period that saw them rise to the pinnacle of the league before this disappointing exit.
Overall, the elimination match delivered an entertaining blend of high‑scoring rugby, disciplined defending, and moments of individual brilliance, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the Super League playoffs.