Willie Peters will end his tenure as Hull KR head coach at the end of the Super League season to pursue coaching opportunities in the NRL.
The 47-year-old leaves Craven Park after four years in charge, a spell that produced unprecedented success for the Robins. Peters helped end the club’s 40-year trophy drought by winning the 2025 Challenge Cup, then guided Hull KR to the League Leaders’ Shield and Super League Grand Final, completing a treble. In February, Hull KR also beat the Brisbane Broncos 30-24 to claim a maiden World Club Challenge.
In a statement Peters said he had long harboured the ambition to coach in the NRL but that the decision had been a difficult one. “I’ve made no secret of my desire to coach in the NRL as the next step of my career; however, it makes this decision no less difficult,” he said. He thanked the board, players, staff and fans, adding: “Hull KR and the East Hull community will forever be in our hearts.”
Peters stressed his commitment to the remainder of the season. “The job is not done. I am fully committed to what lies ahead, starting this week as we prepare the players for the Hull Derby on Friday. Our goal is always to make our community proud, and we aim to do that each and every week.”
Hull KR issued a statement expressing gratitude for Peters’ achievements and for the advance notice of his decision, which the club said allows time to assess candidates and options. “Willie will leave with the very best wishes of everyone at the club after four years as the most successful coach in our modern history, taking us to the very pinnacle of the sport as World Champions,” it read.
The club emphasised that developing talent that attracts global interest is part of building an elite organisation and said its immediate focus remains on the 2026 season. Owner Neil Hudgell paid tribute to Peters: “As the coach of the World Club Champions, he deserves to go out on his terms, with our respect, appreciation and best wishes. Willie Peters led us to the most successful season in the history of Hull Rugby League in 2025. For now, and for the rest of this year, he will continue to drive a culture that demands success.”