Peters will bring an end to four memorable years at the RobinsJames Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc
08:00, 29 Mar 2026
Hull KR boss Willie Peters is heading to the NRL
Willie Peters insists ‘the job is not done’ as details of his departure from Hull KR are officially confirmed by the club.
News that was already widely known after NRL head Peter V’Landys and Peters’ own agent Braith Anasta publicly discussed the head coach’s deal at PNG Chiefs, has now been confirmed by Rovers in a statement. The Robins have not mentioned Peters’ next move, saying only he is “taking up an opportunity in the NRL,” but it is head coach of new NRL expansion side the PNG Chiefs where the 47-year-old Australian heads next.
The announcement comes as the team prepare to begin their preparations for the 250th Hull derby on Good Friday, in what is likely to be Peters’ final derby game at Craven Park before leaving at the end of the season. Rovers are expected to announce details later in the year of a fitting send-off for one of their greatest-ever coaches, who in four years has so far led the club to every major honour available, including two Grand Final and two Challenge Cup final appearances.
Peters has hopes of returning to Wembley and Old Trafford once again this year and is eager to ensure his exit, and even news of it, is not a distraction in any way to the club’s bid for more success.
“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,” said Peters, finally able to react to his planned exit from the club.
“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.”
Peters will spend 2027 preparing the infrastructure of the new club and working with the Chiefs’ general manager Michael Chammas in building a squad ready to begin the 2028 NRL season. Until then the coach insists his focus is solely on the Robins.
While contracted at Rovers until the end of the 2028 season, the club were aware of the interest in Peters from a number of rival teams and have had open conversations in recent weeks and months.
In a statement issued by Rovers they welcomed the early notice on his exit and accepted the fact success is always going to have rivals coming looking to take what you have.
The KR statement said; “Willie will leave with the very best wishes of everyone at the club after four years of being the most successful coach in our modern history, taking us to the very pinnacle of the sport as World Champions.
“The club are also grateful to Willie for advance notice of his decision, which allows plenty of time for candidates to come forward and to assess all options. Developing world class talent that others wish to attract is part of the process of running an elite sports club, we see it as testament to the club and culture we are building that our people attract interest from around the world.
Rovers owner Neil Hudgell has also paid his own tribute to Peters, conceding he has earned the right to go out on his own terms.
Hudgell said: “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.”