Willie Peters' spell at Hull Kingston Rovers has drawn to a close, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the club's recent history. When he took the reins in 2022, the Robins were a solid Super League side, but under his leadership they transformed into a powerhouse capable of conquering every major domestic trophy. In 2025, just three seasons after his appointment, Hull KR achieved a historic treble: they captured the Betfred Super League Grand Final, secured the League Leaders' Shield, and lifted the Challenge Cup. The triumphs did not stop there; the club also added a World Club Challenge victory over the Brisbane Broncos to its growing trophy cabinet, cementing its status as the premier team in the competition that year.

The 2025 season will forever be remembered as the pinnacle of Peters' four‑year tenure. The team displayed an unrivalled blend of skill, determination and resilience, often described by supporters as "climbing Everest" to reach the summit of English rugby league. Their dominance was evident in every competition they entered, and the trophies they collected were a testament to the culture of excellence that Peters instilled.

Mid‑season, it was announced that the 2026 campaign would be Peters' final year with the Robins. He had accepted an invitation to take charge of the newly‑formed Papua New Guinea Chiefs in the National Rugby League, a move that would see him return to the southern hemisphere and embark on a fresh challenge. The club set a clear objective for his concluding season: finish on a high note and give the departing coach a proper send‑off.

Unfortunately, the final act did not unfold like a fairy‑tale. Hull KR finished sixth in the regular season and were drawn against Warrington Wolves in the elimination round of the playoffs.

Despite a valiant effort, the Robins fell short, ending their campaign with a loss that saw their title hopes extinguished. The defeat was a bitter pill, but Peters remained proud of what his squad had accomplished over the previous four years. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Peters reflected on the season's challenges and the discipline issues that had plagued the side. "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately tonight, but I can't fault them," he said.

He praised his players for their fighting spirit, acknowledging the strength of the opposition. "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 the group and proud of what they've achieved over the last four years at the club.

We've made a lot of beautiful memories," he added. Peters highlighted the impact of playing with a reduced bench, noting that being down to twelve men made it difficult to maintain momentum. He recalled a moment when Hull KR briefly took the lead, only for Warrington to respond and swing the game back in their favour. Fatigue, he explained, crept in during the latter stages, a common issue in high‑intensity matches.

He also paid tribute to veteran forward Peta Hiku, who had been a cornerstone of the side for three seasons. "Peta has been great for us for three years. What he did [getting sent off] was probably the wrong thing, but he's been outstanding for me over the last three years," Peters said, underscoring the player's overall contribution despite a momentary lapse.

The emotional weight of leaving Hull KR was evident throughout the interview. Peters spoke of the close‑knit nature of the club, the shared ambition to win trophies, and the deep connections forged with fans and teammates. "We've got a lot of great memories, that's for sure, but they're still here, still cheering for their team.

We're a close‑knit club. We're a club that wanted to win trophies, and we have, but the fight tonight shows what this place is about," he remarked. He also reflected on his personal journey, describing his time in Hull as "an absolute ball" for both himself and his family.

The love he felt from the community was a recurring theme. "I do feel loved, absolutely. Love's important.

I remember Russell Crowe saying years ago at South that it's all about the love, and there's something in that. 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," Peters said, drawing a parallel between his experiences in England and the upcoming role in Papua New Guinea.

Looking ahead, Peters expressed excitement about the new challenge. He sees the PNG Chiefs as an opportunity to make a positive impact on a nation where rugby league is a cultural cornerstone. "I love it over here.

I'm really looking forward to the next chapter and to having a positive impact on a country (Papua New Guinea) through rugby league, both on and off the field. It's similar to what we've done here, but on a bigger scale. I'm really excited about that challenge," he explained.

Despite his imminent departure, Peters made it clear that his affection for the UK, and particularly the Super League, remains strong. He has no intention of closing the book on British rugby league, and he will continue to champion the competition, urging greater recognition for its quality. "The product is outstanding and it's finally getting the recognition it deserves, even in Australia.

I don't think Super League has always received the respect it merits, but I've always respected it. That's why I played here and why I always wanted to coach here," he affirmed.

He also thanked the club's board, staff, and supporters for their unwavering support. "I also want to acknowledge the board, who have been incredibly supportive. Everyone at Hull KR, I'm going to miss dearly. Thank you to everyone, including the away fans.

The support I've received has been incredible. So, thank you," he concluded. As the Super League playoffs continue, with fixtures such as Leeds Rhinos versus Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors against Wakefield Trinity slated for the coming weeks, Hull KR will look to rebuild under new leadership.

The legacy left by Willie Peters, however, will endure: a period of unprecedented success, a collection of silverware, and a community bound together by shared love for the game. His next chapter in the NRL promises to bring the same passion and dedication that defined his time in Hull, and fans on both sides of the world will be watching closely to see how he shapes the future of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.