Willie Peters’ decision to leave Hull KR at the end of the Super League season will not derail the Robins‘ campaign.
That’s the opinion of Sky Sports pundit Sam Tomkins, who believes Peters joining up with the NRL’s Papua New Guinea at the end of the season could spur the squad on to ensure they give him the send off he deserves.
It hasn’t been officially confirmed just yet, but the expectation is that Peters will become the Chiefs’ first head coach next year, with reports down under claiming he is about to sign a four-year deal to take charge ahead of the club’s first season in the NRL in 2028.
It’s a deal that will bring Peters’ time at KR to an end after four seasons, having taken over at Craven Park ahead of the 2023 season. The Australian has won everything there is to win with the east Hull outfit and he’ll leave KR as a world champion, having secured the World Club Challenge last month.
And, while this season has not gone to plan so far, the news might just focus minds in the KR camp as they strive to find traction and form.
“I don’t think that derails Hull KR one bit this season,” Tomkins said on Sky. “I think Willie Peters is an intense coach and he’s got the players really wanting to play for him.
“If he is to leave at the end of this year, he will be doing everything in his power, along with his players, to finish on silverware and go out in the right way.”
Giving his take on the news, fellow pundit Jon Wilkin added: “I think Willie Peters has been the single best recruit Hull KR have made in 30 years.
“He has an intensity, a focus and a dedication that makes him incredibly attractive to the NRL. The likelihood is that Willie Peters will go back to the NRL and the likelihood is that Paul Lakin and Neil Hudgell know that’s a real threat and opportunity.
“I’d be very surprised if they aren’t looking to backfill that position and succession planning for your coach is often the most important thing.”
Luke Robinson sacked, Hull KR struggling and why it could actually be Warrington Wolves’ year? – click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
