Warrington Wolves secured a place in the Super League semi-finals with a convincing 35-12 win over defending champions Hull KR in the eliminator at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only marks the Wolves' first appearance in a semi-final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs in 2025, but also signals the end of Willie Peters' tenure as head coach of the Robins. Peters had overseen a historic 2025 season in which Hull KR captured their inaugural Super League title, a milestone that will be remembered for years to come. The match turned on a dramatic incident early in the second half when Peta Hiku was shown a red card for a punch aimed at Hull KR centre George Williams.
The dismissal left Hull KR with only twelve men and shifted the momentum decisively in Warrington's favour. Warrington entered the half‑time break with a slim 12-6 lead, having built the advantage through a converted try by Ben Currie, a penalty kick from Ewan Irwin and a first‑half score from Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded with a spectacular try from Joe Burgess, set up by a brilliant pass from Arthur Mourgue, but the effort was insufficient to overturn the deficit. After Hiku's expulsion, Ashton capitalised by crossing the line twice more, completing a hat‑trick that underscored his attacking prowess.
Albert Hopoate added another try, extending the margin further. Hull KR managed a consolation score through Dean Hadley, but the damage was already done. Late in the game, George Williams added a drop‑goal and Toby King finished with a try, sealing a 35-12 triumph for Warrington.
The Wolves now travel to Headingley to face Leeds Rhinos on Friday, 25 September, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. A win will propel them into the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity the following day as the other semi‑final unfolds.
The match opened with an early set piece that saw Warrington claim the first points. A clever grubber kick from Williams was gathered by Burgess, who fumbled the ball, allowing Currie to scoop it up and score under the posts.
Irwin's successful conversion gave the home side a 6‑0 lead, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline proved costly for Hull KR throughout the game.
Warrington took advantage of a penalty for off‑side, with Irwin slotting the goal to push the lead to eight points within the first fifteen minutes. Both teams missed opportunities to score in the corners, as Ashton and Burgess each saw their tries disallowed after being forced into touch. Just before the break, Hull KR mounted a spectacular attack. Jack Broadbent fed Arthur Mourgue, who burst down the left flank, covering roughly 70 metres before delivering a pinpoint pass to Burgess, who completed the move with a length‑of‑the‑field try.
Mourgue added the conversion, narrowing the gap to 12‑6. The dead‑ball interval saw Warrington respond instantly. Kelepi Tanginoa sliced through the defense, finding Ashton, who sprinted in to register his 100th Super League try.
Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving the half‑time score at 12‑6 in favour of the Wolves. The second half began with tension as Hiku's punch on Williams resulted in a straight red card. Although the blow lacked significant force, the referee deemed it sufficient to eject Hiku, leaving Hull KR with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of the contest. Warrington wasted no time exploiting the situation.
They spread the ball wide, enabling Ashton to score his second try of the night. Though the try was initially questioned for a potential forward pass, the decision stood, and the Wolves extended their lead to 16‑6. Hull KR refused to capitulate.
In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and passed to Dean Hadley, who powered over the line from close range. Mourgue's successful conversion tightened the score to 16‑12, reigniting hopes for a comeback. With fifteen minutes left, James Bentley produced a game‑changing interception. Ashton collected the loose ball and sprinted away, completing his hat‑trick and restoring a comfortable cushion for Warrington.
Albert Hopoate then dived over in the corner, and Irwin added another penalty, pushing the margin to 16 points. In the final minutes, Williams kicked a drop‑goal to add a single point, and Toby King capped the scoring with a try as the clock wound down, confirming the 35‑12 result. After the final whistle, Hull KR's outgoing coach Willie Peters received a standing ovation from the home supporters, acknowledging the dynasty he built over the past four years. He praised his players for their resilience, noting that discipline had been a recurring issue throughout the season.
"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 told Sky Sports. Warrington captain Sam Burgess expressed satisfaction with his side's performance.
"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," Burgess said. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes rugby league, with the semi‑finals set to determine the two clubs that will contest the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Warrington's decisive win over Hull KR has positioned them as serious contenders, while Leeds will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage in the upcoming clash.