Willie Peters era at Hull KR ends after eliminator loss: ‘Thank you for the memories, I will miss you dearly’ | Rugby League News

In 2025 Hull KR became just the fifth team to win the Super League Grand Final in the 30 years of the competition.

That was thanks to the guidance of Willie Peters. In his third year in charge of the club, he helped them ‘climb Everest’ and make history.

Not only did they win the Betfred Super League, they picked up the League Leaders’ Shield and Challenge Cup, and then topped that off with a World Club Challenge win over Brisbane Broncos.

Every trophy was theirs. They simply were the team to beat, but no one could.

It was announced part way through this season that 2026 would mark Peters’ final season in charge of the Robins before he heads to pastures new to take charge of the NRL’s newest franchise, the PNG Chiefs.

The task was set: Finish on a high for their leader. Unfortunately for those from east Hull, they did not get the fairytale ending to close out Peters’ four years in charge as they went out in the eliminators to Warrington Wolves after finishing sixth in the table.

However, Peters views it as “the best four years of his life” of which he is immensely proud.

“Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately tonight, but I can’t fault them,” Peters told Sky Sports after the defeat at Warrington.

“I am really proud of them. They kept fighting to 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 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.

“When you’re down to 12 men it makes it difficult, but we put ourselves in the game. We scored down 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 (Hiku) has been great for us for three years. What he did [get sent off] was probably the wrong thing, but he’s been outstanding for me over the last three years.

“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.

“We were well beaten, but we still showed a lot of fight. My family and I have had an absolute ball. We’ve loved it over here and we’ll never forget our time at Hull KR.

“I do feel loved, absolutely. Love’s important. I remember Russell Crowe saying years ago at South (Sydney Rabbitohs) 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.

“There’s no doubt I’ve felt the love from the fans and the players, and vice versa. I love them too. When there’s genuine care and love for each other, you can achieve special things.

“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.”

Peters to return to Super League one day? ‘Never say never’

While this particular chapter is closed for Peters and he has ticked off his goal of coaching in Super League, he admits he will never close the book on the UK.

But for now, he is focused on achieving the next goal which is being a head coach in the NRL.

Despite that, he will continue to back the European competition and ensure it gets the “recognition it deserves”.

“We have loved it here. This has been home, and probably this year was the first time it really felt like home, which made it even harder knowing I was leaving. My family and I have loved it, so you never say never,” he added.

“I am proud. I’ve got a great support network and I’ve loved working with everyone. You’ve all been great. The rugby league community over here has been fantastic. The game is in a positive place and I think there’s a lot of growth ahead in the next few years.

“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.

“I’m proud to have been involved in Super League as a coach, and now I’ve got some goals to tick off when I return to the NRL.

“Just thank you for the memories and thank you for the support they’ve given me. They’ve made me a better person and a better coach.

“I’ve now got an opportunity to return to the NRL, something I’ve always wanted to do, and it’s purely because of what they’ve achieved.

“At the end of the day, the players decide how hard they want to work and where they want to get to, and they’ve been massive for me and my family.

“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.”

Super League play-offs results and schedule

Eliminators

Friday September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26-16 Leigh Leopards

Saturday September 19: Warrington Wolves 35-12 Hull KR

Semi-finals

Semi-Final 1 – Friday September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves, 8pm KO on Sky Sports

Semi-Final 2 – Saturday September 26: Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity, 5.30pm KO on Sky Sports

The Super League play-offs are under way, live on Sky Sports, and continue all the way through until the Grand Final from Old Trafford on October 3.