Fresh Willie Peters links emerge with struggling NRL club among top suitors for Hull KR boss

Hull KR boss Willie Peters has once again been linked with a move back down under, with reports he could link up with a former colleague to help a struggling NRL club. 

The 46-year-old is under contract until 2028, however it is unclear whether the Australian will see out his current deal with NRL clubs circling and seeing him as a potential candidate. It’s worth noting that Peters has declared his loyalty to Hull KR whenever quizzed on NRL links, whilst also admitting that he does hold ambitions to coach Down Under.

Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Australian reporter Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield suggested that Peters could be the man to take over from Benji Marshall at the Wests Tigers. 

He said: “I keep hearing Willie Peters’ name mentioned as a contender for next year. Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League, they have had their best start in history. They have won the Challenge Cup.” 

Rothfield added: “I know Peters is close to Shane Richardson from their time there at the Rabbitohs so I think we are going to have to watch the space re(garding) Benji’s future.” 

Hull KR boss Willie Peters linked to Wests Tigers job

Richardson was CEO of South Sydney from 2016-2023, and in that time worked with Peters when he was assistant to former England coach Wayne Bennett. 

It is not the first time Peters’ name has been touted to clubs down under, when new club Perth Bears was announced to be joining the NRL, he was one of the names linked.

However, the good news for Robins’ fans is that on multiple occasions, Peters has said his sole focus is on KR and the current Super League season.

The Concord club have won just 11 NRL games from 38 with Marshall in charge and have finished as the wooden spoon in each of the last three seasons.

The Tigers have also lost teenage superstars Lachlan Galvin and Tallyn Da Silva in recent weeks, leaving Rothfield questioning what is next for the club. 

“[They] were clearly the two best young players in that football club. They are gone now, I don’t know where they go from here” Rothfield said.  

He added: “When Shane Richardson came into the club… I think everyone, even their most diehard fans knew it wasn’t going to be an automatic fix.” 

Rothfield did, however, mention that the former NZ international’s job is reportedly under little to no threat. 

He said: “They are a mess again sadly, lots and lots of work for Benji Marshall there. Even though Richardson is on record saying Benji’s job is not in any sort of doubt, (the speculation) will not go away.”