Willie Peters has spoken on the reports for the first time.
Willie Peters is set to call 2026 his last in charge of Hull KR.
Hull KR’s all-conquering head coach Willie Peters has spoken for the first time since reports emerged linking him with becoming the inaugural head coach of the PNG Chiefs in the NRL, insisting an official club statement will be released imminently.
Peters is expected to bring a close to a remarkable four-year spell in charge of the East Hull club at the end of 2026, as he prepares to begin building the PNG Chiefs’ squad ahead of their inaugural season in 2028. The new franchise will become the NRL’s 19th team, with Perth Bears set to join the competition next year under head coach Mal Meninga.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’Landys has already thrown his support behind the 47-year-old, insisting Peters is “fully engaged and fully excited” by the prospect of the role.
Peters’ agent, Braith Anasta, has also revealed the move has long appealed to the coach, particularly the opportunity to build a culture from the ground up, having overseen Hull KR ’s rise during his tenure in England.
After watching his side dismantle St Helens 52-10, Peters kept his cards close to his chest but reiterated that clarity will come soon.
“I respect and understand the question, but at the moment it’s certainly not for me to make any statements,” he said.
“I’m sure the club will address it in due course in terms of what is happening. Right now, my focus is on what we’re doing and tonight’s game. There will be announcements, but they won’t come from me.”
Following their nine-try display at Sewell Group Craven Park against an injury-hit St Helens side, the Robins will quickly turn their attention to next week’s Good Friday derby against city rivals Hull FC.
And Peters is determined not to let speculation over his future overshadow the occasion.
“I certainly don’t want next week to be about me,” he added. “We want to move forward – the derby is a huge week and it deserves the attention. The club will, quite rightly, make a statement, and that will happen in the near future.”
