‘Fair choice’ – Willie Peters backed for England head coach job following Shaun Wane exit

Willie Peters has emerged as the favourite for the vacant position.

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has emerged as the favourite for the vacant England job.(Image: )

Former Hull FC, Hull KR and England representative Paul Cooke has voiced his support for Willie Peters amid the vacancy in the England head coach role.

Shaun Wane stepped down from his position last week after six years in charge of the national side, having been appointed in February 2020 as the successor to Wayne Bennett. The former Wigan Warriors boss guided England to series victories over Tonga and Samoa, but suffered disappointment at the 2022 World Cup, with a heartbreaking semi-final defeat on home soil. England were also unable to register a win in last year’s Ashes series – the first to be staged in 22 years.

Hull KR head coach Peters has since emerged as the favourite to land the England job, with interest in the role. He guided the Robins to a historic treble-winning campaign in 2025, lifting the League Leaders’ Shield, Challenge Cup and Super League title.

Peters’ appetite for the international game became apparent when he joined Australia’s coaching staff ahead of the Ashes, working alongside Kevin Walters as the Kangaroos completed a 3-0 whitewash with victories in London, Liverpool and Leeds.

Sam Burgess, Matt Peet and Paul Rowley have also been touted as potential replacements as the Rugby Football League begins its search for a new head coach. It has been confirmed the role will revert to a part-time position, allowing Super League and NRL coaches to combine club and international duties.

England face Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea in the group stages of this year’s World Cup Down Under.

Sharing his thoughts on social media, former Featherstone Rovers head coach Cooke wrote: “Willie Peters would be a fair choice for the new England coach.