The Rugby Football League have been dealt a blow in their search for an England head coach after Willie Peters’ appointment as PNG Chiefs coach.
It’s understood that Peters was firming up as one of the favourites to be named head coach of England ahead of this year’s Rugby League World Cup, however, his upcoming NRL appointment has halted that.
Peters has officially been confirmed as the head coach of PNG Chiefs with the Australian set to leave Hull KR at the end of the season and prep the Chiefs throughout 2027 ahead of their inaugural campaign in 2026.
It’s also been reported by Australian journalist Danny Weidler that Peters has resigned his role as Australia assistant and ‘pulled out of the race for the England job’, eliminating one of the key candidates for the vacant England role.
Over two months since Shaun Wane’s resignation and just seven months out from the Rugby League World Cup, we’ve looked at who else could be a candidate after Peters’ withdrawal from the race.
Who could lead England to the Rugby League World Cup?
Brad Arthur
In the time since Shaun Wane’s resignation, Brad Arthur and Willie Peters have been talked about the most and with Peters now out of the frame, Arthur firms up as the likely favourite.
He’s made clear his interest in the role and his success in turning the Rhinos around is clear to see despite silverware eluding the club so far during his tenure.
Paul Rowley
Should the RFL want an English candidate who plays an exciting brand of rugby league then Paul Rowley could be their man. He’s had to defy the odds so far at St Helens given the club’s injuries and still found results.
With a number of key St Helens players involved in the England set-up, namely Matty Lees and Jack Welsby, as well future stars such as Harry Robertson and George Whitby, then Rowley could be a strong candidate.
Adrian Lam
More of a left-field candidate but Adrian Lam has recently affirmed his intent to be involved in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in some capacity, with Lam having played or coached in every competition since 1995.
He’s previously been an assistant coach with Australia, something that reflects well on his CV, and he’s also proven to be a top-quality coach who can galvanise a group.
BREAKING: Willie Peters has quit his position as Kangaroos assistant and pulled out of the race for the England job. He will focus on the PNG position. Great call – big job. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) March 29, 2026
John Dalton
March 30, 2026 at 5:51 pm
At this rate, the last man out of any rugby league ground (the sweeper up) stands the best chance of being the coach, as everybody else has left the area.
Talk about a joke……………..