In 2025 Hull KR etched their name in the annals of rugby league by becoming only the fifth club in the three‑decade history of the Super League to capture the Grand Final trophy. That remarkable achievement was largely credited to the stewardship of head coach Willie Peters, who in just his third season at the helm guided the Robins to what many described as an "Everest climb" of success.
Peters’ tenure was nothing short of historic. Not only did Hull KR lift the Betfred Super League trophy, they also secured the League Leaders' Shield for finishing top of the regular‑season table and added the prestigious Challenge Cup to their haul. To cap an already glittering season, the side travelled to Australia and triumphed in the World Club Challenge, defeating the Brisbane Broncos and proving they could compete with the very best on the other side of the globe.
Every major piece of silverware was within their grasp, and for a time the Robins were undeniably the team to beat. Mid‑season it was announced that the 2026 campaign would be Peters’ final year in charge of Hull KR. He had accepted an invitation to take the reins of the newly‑formed NRL franchise, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs, marking a significant step in his coaching career. The club set a clear objective for his swansong: finish on a high note and hand over a legacy of winning.
Unfortunately, the narrative did not unfold like a fairy‑tale. After finishing sixth in the league, Hull KR entered the play‑offs but were knocked out in the elimination round by Warrington Wolves, ending Peters’ four‑year spell with a defeat. Despite the abrupt conclusion, Peters reflected on his time with Hull KR as "the best four years of my life" and expressed immense pride in what he and the squad had accomplished.
In an interview with Sky Sports after the loss, he said, "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately tonight, but I can't fault them. I am really proud of them.
They kept fighting to the end." He acknowledged the quality of the opposition, noting that Warrington had been a strong side all season, and wished them well while emphasizing the memories he would cherish. Peters also spoke candidly about the challenges faced during the match, including playing with only twelve men for a period, fatigue setting in during the final minutes, and a controversial send‑off involving Peta Hiku. "Peta has been great for us for three years.
What he did was probably the wrong thing, but he's been outstanding for me over the last three years," Peters said, highlighting the balance between discipline and the passion that defines his players. The emotional connection between Peters, his family, and the Hull KR community was evident throughout his remarks. He described feeling "loved" by the fans, the club staff, and his own family, recalling a piece of advice he once heard from rugby league legend Russell Crowe: "It's all about the love." Peters believes that when a sporting environment fosters genuine care and mutual respect, extraordinary achievements become possible.
"When you're part of a family and create the right environment, especially in sport, where everyone cares about each other, you can do wonderful things," he explained. Looking ahead, Peters expressed excitement about his upcoming role with the PNG Chiefs, emphasizing his desire to make a positive impact both on and off the field in Papua New Guinea. He likened the new challenge to his work in Hull, but on a larger scale, saying, "I'm really excited about that challenge." Even as he prepares to leave the UK, Peters admitted that he will never completely close the book on his British rugby league experience.
He remains a vocal supporter of the Super League and hopes the competition continues to gain the recognition he feels it deserves. "The product is outstanding and it's finally getting the recognition it deserves, even in Australia," he noted, adding that the league has often been undervalued internationally. Peters also praised the Hull KR board and the broader rugby league community for their unwavering support.
He thanked the fans, both home and away, and highlighted how the relationships forged during his tenure have shaped him both personally and professionally. "They've made me a better person and a better coach," he said, underscoring the lasting impact of his time in East Hull. The 2026 season continues with Hull KR competing in the play‑offs, with fixtures such as Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards on September 18, Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19, and subsequent semi‑finals leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. While Peters' chapter at Hull KR has concluded, the legacy he leaves behind—four trophies, a revitalised club culture, and a deep bond with supporters—will endure for years to come.
His next adventure in the NRL promises to bring the same passion and commitment that defined his successful spell in the Super League, and fans on both sides of the Pacific will be watching closely to see how he shapes the future of the PNG Chiefs. In summary, Willie Peters' era at Hull KR was marked by unprecedented success, heartfelt connections, and a clear vision for the future. Though his departure comes after a disappointing play‑off exit, the memories, trophies, and community spirit he cultivated remain a testament to his leadership.
As he embarks on his new role in Papua New Guinea, the rugby league world anticipates another chapter of achievement, driven by the same love for the game that he so often spoke about.