The Rovers coach has been linked with taking over from Shaun Wane
17:17, 25 Jan 2026Updated 18:00, 25 Jan 2026
Willie Peters pictured with Joe Burgess and Jez Litten in the Ashes series(Image: )
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has addressed speculation linking him with the vacant England head coach role.
Shaun Wane’s departure has opened the door for a new coach to take over for this year’s World Cup to be played in Australia, with Rovers’ treble-winning coach installed as the early favourite to take on the position in a part-time capacity alongside his job at Sewell Group Craven Park.
The 46-year-old’s stock is very high after back-to-back Super League coach of the year accolades and his success in overseeing Rovers’ greatest-ever season. Peters was appointed assistant coach to the Australian team for the recent Ashes series, with Rovers’ board delighted for their head coach to get an opportunity to have that experience and to widen his contacts with the best Aussie players from the NRL.
It is understood no discussions have taken place between Peters and the RFL, or Peters and the Rovers board about the role, with there just being an interest at this stage from the KR coach to have a conversation about what the role may look like.
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur came out on Saturday and expressed his desire to take on the vacant role, saying; “I don’t know where it’s at or what their process is but I’ve got some interest in it.. My priority right here and right now is with this team. But if something opens up there, I’d like to have a conversation.”
After Arthur’s admission, Peters was asked following Rovers’ pre-season friendly with Wakefield Trinity if he was interested in the position.
He said: “I’ll certainly have a conversation that is for sure. I’d be interested in having a conversation and seeing where it goes from there.
“When the process starts I want to listen first and find out a lot more, but the appealing part, of course it is a prestigious job for any coach. Whether you are a young coach or an experienced coach it is a job most people would want and I am no different.
“I have been over here for my fourth year now, I’ve played over here and I know the game over here really well. It’s an opportunity that if it arose I’d certainly love to have a conversation in and around it. We’ll see how it goes from there. I’m just being honest and answer the question of am I interested, I’m interested in having a conversation that’s for sure.”