Willie Peters to leave Hull KR for NRL opportunity

Willie Peters will leave his role as Hull KR head coach at the end of the Super League season to pursue coaching opportunities in the NRL.

The 47-year-old departs Craven Park after four years that saw the Robins reach unprecedented heights. Peters ended the club's 40-year trophy drought by winning the 2025 Challenge Cup, then added the League Leaders' Shield and the Super League Grand Final to complete a treble. In February, Hull KR also beat the Brisbane Broncos 30-24 to claim their first World Club Challenge.

Peters said he has long wanted to coach in the NRL and that the choice to move on was a hard one. He expressed gratitude to the club's board, players, staff and supporters, adding that Hull KR and the East Hull community will always have a special place in his and his family's hearts.

He underlined his commitment to the remainder of the campaign, insisting the "job is not done" and that he is fully focused on preparing the squad for the upcoming Hull Derby on Friday. Peters said the team will continue aiming to make the community proud week by week.

Hull KR's statement thanked Peters for his accomplishments and for giving the club advance notice, which the club said allows time to consider candidates and options for his successor. The club described Peters as the most successful coach in their modern history, having led them to the summit of the sport as World Champions.

The board stressed that producing talent that draws international interest is part of building an elite organisation and that the immediate priority remains preparation for the 2026 season.

Owner Neil Hudgell paid tribute to Peters, saying the coach deserves to leave on his own terms and with the club's respect and gratitude. Hudgell noted Peters delivered the most successful season in Hull Rugby League history in 2025 and will continue to drive a culture of excellence for the rest of the year.