Hull KR boss Willie Peters believes that he is ‘ready’ to coach in the NRL with the Australian expressing interest in a specific role.
It’s no surprise to see Peters being asked about such topics given the transformation that he has overseen at Hull KR, taking them from a fringe side on the up to treble and World Club Challenge winners.
Contracted until the end of the 2028 season, Peters has previously spoken about the NRL and even rejected a coaching interview for the Newcastle Knights job last year but following Thursday night’s World Club Challenge success, he was asked once again about the prospect of returning down under to coach in the NRL.
“I believe I’m ready to go,” Peters told the Daily Telegraph after the game.
However, he was keen to iterate: “When the time is right to coach in the NRL, I’ll be ready,” with those comments offering some assurance to Hull KR fans that their coach won’t be departing any time soon.”
Success on Thuesday has seen Australian media call for him to make the move to the NRL as well, with Cooper Cronk the latest to suggest he could make the switch.
Hull KR boss Willie Peters talks PNG job
One project that Peters was asked about and did declare ‘interest’ in was the PNG Hunters coaching role with the Papua New Guinean-based club set to enter the NRL in 2028.
“The short answer is I would be interested in that conversation,” admitted Peters as he went on to explain why it was such an exciting prospect.
“It’s a unique opportunity because it is a team where you can create culture and a DNA of that club for many, many years.
“Setting up the culture of PNG would excite me. Connection and care are the two values that I hold really closely to any team that I coach, and it’s what I value.
“Living away from home, you will basically need to be a family in PNG and create a family environment.
“That’s something I believe I have done well here at Hull KR.”
The Robins’ World Club Challenge win has also thrust Peters even more to the forefront of conversations about being the England head coach for this year’s World Cup, with a decision on that not expected to be made until at least next month.
Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin has previously expressed calm over Peters’ continuous links to the NRL, stating in September: “I’m confident and relaxed but in a sensible way.
“He’s contracted to 2028 and we haven’t had a conversation to suggest otherwise. I believe he and his family are really happy but we’ll take it as it comes.”
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