Warrington Wolves clinched a place in the Super League semi‑finals with a commanding 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR in the elimination match held at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only propels the Wolves into a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but it also marks the club's first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs in the 2025 season.
The result also signals the end of Willie Peters' tenure as Hull KR head coach. Peters, who guided the club to a historic title in 2025 – the first Super League crown in the team's history – will depart following the defeat. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for punching George Williams.
The Wolves, now reduced to twelve men, turned the incident into a decisive advantage, pulling away to seal the win. ### First‑Half Action The opening exchanges were tightly contested. Warrington struck first when Ben Currie gathered a loose ball after a grubber kick from George Williams and dived over for a try. Ewan Irwin converted, giving the home side a 6‑0 lead that thrilled the packed Halliwell Jones crowd.
The Wolves extended the margin with a penalty goal from Irwin after a Hull KR off‑side infringement, and Matty Ashton added a try, taking the score to 12‑6 at the break. Hull KR responded before the interval when Joe Burgess, after a sweeping run set up by Arthur Mourgue, crossed for a spectacular try, narrowing the gap and providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
### Second‑Half Drama Three minutes into the second period, Hiku’s ill‑timed punch on Williams earned him a straight red, leaving Warrington with just twelve players. Rather than being rattled, the Wolves immediately capitalised. They swung the ball wide, allowing Ashton to finish his second try of the day. The try was initially flagged for a forward pass, but the referee upheld the decision, putting Warrington 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 tension among the home supporters.
Warrington responded decisively. With just fifteen minutes left, James Bentley intercepted a pass and fed Ashton, who sprinted away to complete his hat‑trick.
Albert Hopoate then dove over in the corner, and Irwin added the conversion, stretching the lead to 22‑12. Late in the game, Williams slotted a drop‑goal for Hull KR, adding a single point, but Toby King’s try in the final minute sealed the Wolves’ dominance. Irwin’s conversion of King’s try brought the final tally to 35‑12.
### Post‑Match Reactions Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports after the final whistle, acknowledging the impact of discipline on his side’s performance: “Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately it did again tonight. I can’t fault the players – they fought until the end. Warrington have been a very good team all year, and I wish them the best.
I’m proud of what we have achieved over the past four years and the memories we’ve created.” He also reflected on Hiku’s red card, noting that while the punch was a mistake, Hiku had been a valuable player for the club over three seasons. Warrington’s player‑coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, expressing pride in his squad: “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 although the scoreline didn’t reflect it fully, we left several chances on the table.
Precision is key – those small moments add up and could have finished the game earlier.” ### Looking Ahead The Wolves now travel to Headingley to face Leeds Rhinos on Friday, September 25, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. on Sky Sports.
A win will secure a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, in the second semi‑final, also broadcast live on Sky Sports. ### Match Summary - **First Half:** Warrington 12 (Currie try, Irwin conversion, penalty, Ashton try) – Hull KR 6 (Burgess try, Mourgue conversion) - **Second Half:** Warrington 23 (Ashton two more tries, Hopoate try, Irwin conversions, King try) – Hull KR 6 (Hadley try, Mourgue conversion, Williams drop‑goal) - **Key Incidents:** Hiku’s red card (minute 48), Ashton’s hat‑trick, Bentleys’ interception, Burgess’ celebration with family. The elimination round showcased the intensity of Super League playoff rugby, with discipline, opportunistic play, and individual brilliance shaping the outcome.
Warrington’s ability to adapt after being reduced to twelve men underscored their resilience and tactical acumen, setting the stage for a compelling semi‑final clash against Leeds. **Upcoming Fixtures** - Friday September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26‑16 Leigh Leopards - Saturday September 19: Warrington Wolves 35‑12 Hull KR - 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 Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑octane action, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the season’s champion will be crowned.