Warrington Triumph Over Hull KR, Securing Semi-Final Clash with Leeds as Hiku Is Sent Off

Warrington Wolves clinched a commanding 35-12 victory over defending champions Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, earning a place in the Super League semi‑final against Leeds Rhinos. The win marked the Wolves' first appearance in a semi‑final 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, a tenure that had produced a historic 2025 league title – the club's inaugural Super League crown.

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 twelve men, Hull KR struggled to contain Warrington's relentless attack, and the numerical disadvantage quickly proved decisive. Warrington entered the break with a slim 12-6 lead, a margin built on a converted try by Ben Currie, a penalty kick from Ewan Irwin, and a ground‑level score by Matty Ashton. Hull KR responded before halftime with a spectacular try by Joe Burgess, set up by a sweeping pass from Arthur Mourgue, narrowing the gap and injecting belief into the visitors.

The second half opened with Hiku's dismissal, and Warrington wasted no time capitalising. Ashton crossed the line twice more, completing a hat‑trick, while Albert Hopoate added a further try to extend the lead.

Hull KR managed a consolation score through Dean Hadley, but a late drop‑goal from Williams and a final try by Toby King sealed a comprehensive win for the home side. The Wolves now travel to Leeds on Friday 25 September, with the semi‑final slated for an 8 p.m. kickoff on Sky Sports. The victor will advance to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.

Their opponents, Wigan Warriors, will host Wakefield Trinity the following day in the second semi‑final. **First Half – Early Exchanges** The game began with an early repeat set that produced the opening points for Warrington. A clever grubber kick from Williams was gathered by Burgess, who half‑fumbled, allowing Currie to scoop the ball and dive over for a try.

Irwin's conversion put the Wolves ahead 6‑0, energising the packed Halliwell Jones crowd. Discipline became an issue for Hull KR almost immediately. An off‑side penalty was awarded to Warrington, and Irwin slotted the kick, extending the lead to eight points within the first fifteen minutes. Both teams then saw promising wing attacks thwarted; Ashton and Burgess each broke free but were driven into touch before they could ground the ball.

With four minutes remaining before the break, Hull KR produced a moment of brilliance. Jack Broadbent delivered a long pass to Mourgue, who sprinted 70 metres, evading multiple tacklers before finding Burgess in support.

Burgess finished the move, and Mourgue added the conversion, cutting the deficit to 12‑6. The half‑time whistle blew shortly after a spectacular play from Kelepi Tanginoa, who burst through the defensive line and off‑loaded to Ashton. The veteran winger sprinted to the corner and dived over for his 100th Super League try.

Irwin's conversion struck the post, leaving Warrington with a 12‑6 advantage at the interval. **Second Half – Red Card and Rising Tide** Just three minutes into the second period, Hiku was shown a straight red for a punch that connected with Williams' face.

Although the strike lacked significant force, the referee deemed it sufficient for dismissal, leaving Hull KR with only twelve men for the remainder of the match. Warrington seized the opportunity immediately. The ball was spread wide, and Ashton collected it to score his second try of the night.

The referee ruled the pass forward, allowing the try to stand and pushing the score to 16‑6 with 35 minutes left. Hull KR, now a man down, refused to capitulate. In the 53rd minute, Burgess broke away and off‑loaded to Dean Hadley, who powered over for a close‑range try.

Mourgue's successful conversion narrowed the margin to 16‑12, reigniting tension among the home supporters. The atmosphere grew electric as the clock wound down. With fifteen minutes remaining, James Bentley intercepted a pass and set up Ashton for a dazzling run that resulted in his third try, completing a hat‑trick and restoring a ten‑point cushion.

Albert Hopoate then demonstrated his finishing prowess, diving into the corner for another try. Irwin added the conversion, stretching Warrington's lead to 22‑12. To add insult to injury, Williams slotted a late drop‑goal, and Toby King crossed the line in the final minute, sealing a 35‑12 triumph.

**Post‑Match Reactions** Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, acknowledging the impact of discipline on his side's performance. "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," he said.

He praised Warrington's consistency and reflected on the memories forged over his four‑year spell. Warrington captain Sam Burgess also spoke to the media, expressing pride in his squad. "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," Burgess explained.

**Looking Ahead** The Wolves now focus on preparing for Leeds, a side that has also navigated a challenging path to the semi‑finals. Both teams will be keen to fine‑tune their defensive structures and maintain attacking fluency as they chase a place in the Grand Final. Meanwhile, the Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑stakes drama across the weekend, with Wigan Warriors set to host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday 26 September. The winners of the two semi‑finals will meet at Old Trafford on 3 October to contest the championship.

**Key Match Details** - Date: Saturday 19 September 2026 - Venue: Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington - Final Score: Warrington Wolves 35, Hull KR 12 - Try Scorers: Ben Currie, Matty Ashton (3), Albert Hopoate (Warrington); Joe Burgess, Dean Hadley (Hull KR) - Points Scorers: Ewan Irwin (Warrington), George Williams (Hull KR) - Red Card: Peta Hiku (Hull KR) for striking George Williams The victory not only propels Warrington into the semi‑final but also underscores the importance of discipline, depth, and clinical finishing in the knockout stages of the Super League.