How Willie Peters is helping to choose the Hull KR next head coach as Ryan Carr deems axed NRL man good fit for Super League

Earlier this month, Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin revealed that the club are looking to appoint their next head coach in May, which would give them plenty of time to get work sorted for the 2027 season.

Willie Peters will leave the club at the end of the campaign to give himself a full 12-months to get to grips with his role at the PNG Chiefs before they enter the NRL in 2028.

The club have reportedly already secured their first signing, with NRL superstar Jarome Luai set to join the Port Moresby-based side, becoming the competition’s highest paid player in the process.

However, before Peters departs he will have somewhat of a say in appointing his successor, as Lakin looks to work with his current head coach, and the new head coach, in seamlessly transitioning from the outgoing to the incoming boss.

Last year’s Kangaroos assistant boss was asked by the media what he knows so far in relation to his successor, to which he admitted it was very little at this stage.

Speaking prior to the club’s would-be victory over Bradford Bulls, Peters said: “He’s told me a few names or asked my opinion, or just asked me about a few coaches.

“Paul’s in the process now, along with the board, of obviously going through some interviews and that type of thing.

“I’m just there if he needs me, but the board and Paul will obviously make the decisions and interview the next coach.”

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Castleford Tigers boss tips axed NRL man to succeed in Super League

One man who could be in contention to become the next Robins boss is Shane Flanagan, who last week was sacked from his position as head coach of the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Suffering seven straight losses to start the season, Flanagan and assistant boss Mick Ennis, who has also been linked with KR, were both shown the door and that could create a coaching domino effect.

Of course, Rovers aren’t the only club in need of a head coach for next season, with Huddersfield Giants and Catalans Dragons among those in search for a permanent leader.

Someone who has had plenty of experience working under Flanagan is current Castleford Tigers boss Ryan Carr, who served as Dragons assistant boss prior to his move to West Yorkshire.

Carr was asked by Serious About Rugby League whether he thought the 60-year-old would succeed in Super League, to which he said: “He’d suit anywhere.

“He’s a fantastic coach. He’s won an NRL premiership. I learned a load off him.

“It’s never nice to see someone you’ve worked with, let alone a mate of mine, go through what he’s been through.

“…I know how hard he works and how much effort and dedication he puts into his coaching. His players are his life.

“It’s a shame of what’s happened. But whatever he chooses to do or wherever he chooses to go, he’ll be fantastic at it. He’s a really good coach.”