Willie Peters to step down as Hull KR boss at end of season

Hull KR have confirmed that boss Willie Peters will leave at the end of the season.

The Australian led Rovers to a historic domestic treble last year, adding the World Club Challenge in February with victory over Brisbane.

Peters will return to the southern hemisphere, where he is understood to be heading up new franchise PNG Chiefs, who are set to join the NRL in 2028.

The 47-year-old said: “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.

“I want to thank the board, the players and all at the staff at Sewell Group Craven Park for their support and commitment during four wonderful years where I have developed as a coach and as a person.

“I’d also like to thank the best fans in the world for taking me and my family in since our arrival. Hull KR and the East Hull community will forever be in our hearts.

“The job is not done, I am fully committed to what’s ahead, which continues this week in preparing the players for the Hull derby this Friday. Our goal is always to make our community proud and we aim to do that each and every week.”

The World Club Challenge not withstanding, it has been a difficult start to the season for Hull KR, but they found their form in style on Friday with a 52-10 victory over St Helens.

Owner Neil Hudgell said of 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.”