Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has been showered in praise by a rival Super League coach ahead of the start of the 2026 season.
Peters has had an incredible impact in his three years at Hull KR with the 2025 treble-winning season the clear highlight, however, he’d also been named Super League Coach of the Year in 2024 and 2025, in an award voted on by his peers.
Now, another of his peers has come out to speak favourably on Peters but not necessarily just about his coaching success, but also about the Australian as a man and even a mentor.
York Knights boss Mark Applegarth spoke to the media ahead of the Knights’ Super League opener against Hull KR with Applegarth speaking very highly of Peters, revealing how the pair were able to lean on each other in 2025.
Applegarth said: “I’ve had some good chats with Willie, especially last year. We both had different conversations, pressures, whatever you want to call them.
“They were fighting on all fronts for the treble, we were fighting for the 1895 Cup, the Championship then the play-offs.
“There’s similarities there in terms of coaching, obviously different levels, but same principles.”
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Mark Applegarth reveals touching moment with Hull KR counterpart
Ultimately, York didn’t complete their treble as they fell to Toulouse in the Championship Grand Final, however, the bond between the two men had been established way back before the first of each club’s trophies.
The York boss revealed: “We shared a nice moment together the night before the CC final, the 1895 Cup Final. Just being able to sit in the hotel together and chat.
“It’s always good to chat with other coaches about the highs and lows that come with coaching.”
Given the fact they will go head to head on Thursday night in the Super League opener, communication has been understandably lessened, however, Applegarth has championed Peters ahead of Hull KR’s World Club Challenge.
“Obviously last year was a great year for both teams… we still check in with each other,” he explained.
“Not really spoke to each other these last couple of weeks for natural reasons, but as soon as Thursday night’s out of the way, I’ll be one of the first on the phone wishing him all the best in the World Club Challenge.”
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