Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin has spoken about the chances of head coach Willie Peters fulfilling his contract with the club, claiming he’s confident that the Australian will see his deal through.
That deal runs until the end of the 2028 season meaning the Robins have Peters tied down for three more years, however, NRL clubs have been circling for the Hull KR coach.
Peters was asked to interview for the Newcastle Knights job but refused, citing that it would be a distraction to his current work with the Robins with ex-St Helens boss Justin Holbrook eventually appointed there.
He’s also now been linked with roles in charge of NRL clubs Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs, two teams that he has coached at before, highlighting that he’s a hot topic Down Under.
His agent, former player turned presenter Braith Anasta, has also pushed his name very strongly and claimed that Peters is ‘ready’ for the NRL so it’s easy to understand why those at Hull KR might be anxious, but that’s not the case.
Chief Executive Officer Paul Lakin appeared on Sky Sports’ The Bench podcast and spoke on the links, stating: “I’m confident and relaxed but in a sensible way.”
Hull KR ‘relaxed’ despite NRL interest in Willie Peters
When asked about why there is such a calmness regarding Peters’ future at the club, Lakin revealed the pair to be in regular contact and spoke instead on the positives that are a reality as opposed to the negatives that could happen.
He said: “Willie is a fantastic communicator and me and him are very close and I’ve said that if there’s genuine interest then talk to me, but we haven’t needed to have that conversation.
“I’m genuinely relaxed on these sort of things because I think if Willie is attracting interest, then we’re doing well and you’ve got to be pragmatic about it.”
Expanding on that, he said: “These are good problems. If there’s interest in our players or our coach, then it’s because we’re actually doing well. That’s a good problem to have.”
With NRL interest seeming to grow and grow as the weeks and months pass, Lakin underline his belief that the Australian will remain at Hull KR for the next three years.
“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.”
Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.
