Peters is preparing to be named as the PNG Chiefs head coach in the coming days
15:33, 26 Mar 2026Updated 15:58, 26 Mar 2026
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has emerged as the favourite for the vacant England job.
Willie Peters is poised to bring his time at Hull KR to a close after four sensational years in charge as the process of searching for a successor to one of its most successful coaches begins.
Peters is understood to have informed the first team squad of his decision to leave Rovers at the end of this season, having held discussions with CEO Paul Lakin over an exit from a contract which has him tied down for two more years.
The Aussie has helped transform the Robins into a rugby league powerhouse, winning every major trophy available to them across the last 12 months. Overall, Peters has guided Hull KR to four finals – as well as the World Club Challenge, with a historic win over NRL champions Brisbane Broncos in February.
Now, the 47-year-old is set to take over at the PNG Chiefs ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2028 as the competition’s 19th side. As of Thursday afternoon no contracts had been signed with the Chiefs, resulting in all parties remaining tight-lipped, but an agreement is in place and official confirmation is expected in the next 72 hours.
Peters has never hidden his ambition to crack the NRL – and he made that crystal clear after his side’s 30-24 win over Brisbane at the MKM Stadium.
“I believe I’m ready to go,” Peters stated. “The only way you can show that is by getting an opportunity in the NRL and proving yourself. I’ve always been the type of person who lets my actions do the talking.
“My family and I have really enjoyed being over here, but if the opportunity arises, I’ll certainly look at the NRL. It would be great to prove myself back in the NRL at some stage.
“It’s a unique opportunity because it’s a team where you can create the culture and DNA of a club for many years.
“But setting up the culture of PNG would excite me. Connection and care are the two values that I hold really closely to any team that I coach and it’s what I value.”
Peters has rapidly emerged as one of the game’s most in-demand coaches following his success with Rovers, with his NRL links dating back to 2024.
His reputation soared even further when he linked up with Kevin Walters’ Australia staff for last year’s Ashes – playing a key role as the Kangaroos stormed to a 3-0 whitewash over England.
Peters also turned down the opportunity to interview with Newcastle Knights last year, with Hull KR’s treble firmly in his sights. Former St Helens boss Justin Holbrook went on to land the role to succeed Adam O’Brien.
“I’ve got it in my goals to coach in the NRL but one thing I’ve learnt is not to think too far ahead,” Peters previously told Australia media during last year’s Ashes series.
“It can be a cliché, but I worry about now and getting that right. I do want to coach in the NRL at some stage. When that is, I’m not sure.”
Peters will leave Rovers in a far stronger position than the one he inherited and goes with his status as a club legend assured.