Warrington Wolves secured their 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, but also marks the club's first semi-final appearance since the 2024 campaign after missing the playoffs the previous year. The match also signalled the end of Willie Peters' tenure as Hull KR head coach. Peters, who guided the club to a historic 2025 Super League title – the first in the team's history – saw his spell conclude after the defeat.
The turning point arrived early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch aimed at George Williams. Playing with only twelve men, Hull KR struggled to keep pace with Warrington's relentless attack. Warrington entered the break with a slender 12-6 lead, courtesy of a Ben Currie try that was converted, a penalty from Ewan Irwin, and a try by Matty Ashton.
Hull KR responded before the interval with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, set up by Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap and raising hopes for a comeback. After the dismissal, Ashton added two more tries to complete a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate also crossed the line, extending the Wolves' advantage. Hull KR managed a consolation try from Dean Hadley, but a late drop‑goal from Williams and a final try by Toby King sealed a comprehensive win for Warrington. The Wolves will travel to Leeds on Friday, September 25, for an 8 p.m.
kickoff broadcast live on Sky Sports, with the prize being a spot in the Grand Final. The other semi‑final will see Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5.30 p.m. on Sky Sports.
The game began with a classic set‑piece move: a grubber kick from Williams was gathered by Burgess, who then fumbled, allowing Currie to pounce and score under the posts. Irwin's conversion gave the home side an early 6‑0 lead, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline proved costly for the Robins. An early penalty awarded to Warrington for off‑side play saw Irwin add two points, establishing an eight‑point cushion within the first fifteen minutes.
Both sides missed opportunities as Ashton and Burgess each saw tries denied in the corners, the ball being driven into touch before they could ground it. Just before the half‑hour mark, Hull KR produced a dazzling 70‑metre run.
Jack Broadbent passed to Mourgue, who sidestepped defenders and fed Burgess, who completed the move with a try. Mourgue converted, narrowing the deficit to 12‑8.
The momentum swung back to Warrington at the stroke of halftime when Kelepi Tanginoa burst through the defensive line, finding Ashton, who sprinted over for his 100th Super League try. Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving the Wolves ahead 12‑6 as the teams headed into the break.
The second half opened dramatically when Hiku's alleged punch on Williams earned him a straight red card. Though the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient to send Hiku off, leaving Hull KR with only twelve men for the remainder of the match. Warrington seized the opportunity immediately, spreading the ball wide for Ashton to score his second try of the night. The decision was reviewed and upheld as a legitimate try, extending the lead to 16‑6 with 35 minutes remaining.
Hull KR, undeterred by the numerical disadvantage, fought back in the 53rd minute. A breakaway by Burgess created space for Dean Hadley, who powered over from close range. Mourgue's conversion brought the score to 16‑12, reigniting tension among the home supporters. The atmosphere at the stadium grew increasingly electric as the clock ticked down.
With fifteen minutes left, James Bentley produced a crucial interception, which Ashton collected and sprinted away to complete his hat‑trick. The try proved decisive, pushing the Wolves' lead to 22‑12.
Albert Hopoate then added a brilliant corner dive, and Irwin's successful conversion stretched the margin to 28‑12. To add insult to injury, Williams slotted a late drop‑goal, and with a minute remaining, Toby King crossed for the final try, sealing a 35‑12 triumph. Following the final whistle, the crowd gave a standing ovation to departing Hull KR coach Willie Peters, acknowledging the dynasty he built over the past four years, highlighted by the 2025 championship. Meanwhile, Warrington captain Sam Burgess celebrated with his family, reflecting on his own ambition to leave a lasting legacy at the club.
In his post‑match interview with Sky Sports, Peters reflected on the season's discipline issues: "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. Warrington played really well and have been a very good team all year. I wish them all the best, but I'm really, really proud of this group and what they've achieved over the last four years. We've made a lot of beautiful memories.
When you're down to 12 men it makes things difficult, but we still put ourselves in the game. We scored at the other end, went two points ahead and then, against the run of play, they scored. Fatigue always creeps in and it did towards the back end of the game. Peta has been great for us for three years.
What he did was probably the wrong thing, but he's been outstanding for me throughout that time." Warrington head coach Sam Burgess also shared his thoughts: "I'm proud of the group. It was a strange game, but we're pleased to come through and get another week together, which is what we came for. In the first half we felt really 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. We could have finished the game much earlier." The upcoming fixtures are as follows: - 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 unfold live on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.