Warrington Wolves secured a place in the Super League semi‑finals with a commanding 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR in the eliminator played 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 in 2025. The match featured a dramatic turning point early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for an alleged punch on George Williams, leaving the Wolves to finish the game with just twelve men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Warrington continued to pile on points, turning the incident into a decisive advantage. The first half was a tightly contested affair. Warrington entered the break with a 12‑6 lead, thanks to a Ben Currie try that was successfully converted, a penalty goal from Ewan Irwin, and a try by Matty Ashton.
Hull KR responded with a spectacular effort from Joe Burgess, who finished a sweeping move that began with Arthur Mourgue’s incisive run, narrowing the gap and keeping the visitors in the contest. After the halftime interval, the game’s momentum shifted dramatically. Within three minutes, Hiku’s dismissal for striking Williams changed the dynamics, and Warrington quickly capitalised.
Ashton crossed the line for his second try of the night, and the referee’s decision to award the try stood despite questions about a possible forward pass. This put the Wolves ahead 16‑6 with 35 minutes remaining.
Hull KR, now reduced to twelve men as well, refused to capitulate. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when a breakaway by Burgess culminated in a short‑range effort from Dean Hadley, who touched down to make it 16‑12. Mourgue’s conversion brought the visitors within four points, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
The tension in the packed Halliwell Jones Stadium was palpable, but Warrington soon restored a comfortable cushion. James Bentley intercepted a pass midway through the second half, setting up Ashton for a blistering run that completed his hat‑trick. Albert Hopoate then added a brilliant corner‑line dive, and Irwin’s reliable boot extended the lead to 30‑12. In the closing stages, Williams slotted a late penalty to add a solitary point for Hull KR, and Toby King finished the scoring with a try in the final minute, sealing a 35‑12 triumph for Warrington.
The result sends the Wolves to face Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final at 8 pm on Sky Sports, while Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity the following day in the other semi‑final. Post‑match, Hull KR’s head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, reflecting on the season’s discipline issues that have plagued his side: “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 also praised the Wolves, noting their consistency throughout the campaign and expressing pride in the legacy he leaves after four years at the helm. Warrington’s player‑coach Sam Burgess also spoke to Sky Sports, lauding his squad’s resilience: “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 Wolves’ path to the semi‑final was built on a solid defensive foundation and opportunistic attacking play. Early on, a clever grubber kick from Williams was mishandled by Burgess, allowing Currie to scoop up the ball and dive over for the opening try. Irwin’s successful conversion gave Warrington a 6‑0 lead, setting the tone for a night of disciplined, high‑intensity rugby. Discipline, however, remained a double‑edged sword.
Both sides saw penalties and missed opportunities, with each team denied potential tries in the corners when wingers were forced into touch. Yet Warrington’s ability to convert penalties, such as Irwin’s early kick for off‑side infringement, helped them build an eight‑point cushion within the first 15 minutes. The half‑hour mark delivered a highlight‑reel moment: Jack Broadbent’s pass to Mourgue sparked a 70‑metre sprint, culminating in a try for Burgess that was subsequently converted, trimming the deficit to just two points.
Nevertheless, Warrington responded instantly before the break. Kelepi Tanginoa’s powerful run created space for Ashton, who celebrated his 100th Super League try with a decisive dive.
Although Irwin’s conversion struck the post, the Wolves entered halftime with a 12‑6 advantage. The second half’s early drama centred on Hiku’s red card. While the punch appeared to lack significant force, the referee deemed it sufficient for dismissal, leaving the Wolves with a man short.
Warrington’s swift reaction saw them exploit the extra space, delivering a wide ball to Ashton for his second try. The decision to award the try, despite concerns of a forward pass, stood and extended the lead to 16‑6. Hull KR’s brief resurgence, highlighted by Hadley’s try, was quickly neutralised by Warrington’s relentless pressure.
Bentley’s interception set up Ashton’s third try, cementing his hat‑trick and further demoralising the visitors. Hopoate’s subsequent try and Irwin’s reliable goal‑kicking pushed the score well beyond reach.
In the final minutes, Williams’ penalty and King’s try added the finishing touches to a comprehensive victory. The Wolves celebrated not only a place in the semi‑final but also the farewell to coach Willie Peters, whose tenure saw the club clinch its first Super League title in 2025. Burgess, meanwhile, joined his family on the field to celebrate the win, hinting at his own ambitions to etch his name into the club’s storied history.
The upcoming semi‑finals promise high‑stakes rugby, with Warrington aiming to build on their dominant performance and Leeds seeking to restore their own glory. The Super League playoffs continue to captivate fans across the nation, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.