The opportunity to work with Willie Peters was one of the major reasons why Karl Lawton jumped at the chance to join Hull KR.
In the three years that have passed since he took over at Craven Park, Peters has managed to establish himself as one of the brightest young head coaches in the modern game. The Australian has taken KR to major finals every year he has been at the club and while the 2023 Challenge Cup final and the 2024 Super League Grand Final didn’t go the Robins’ way, 2025 was something to behold.
Under Peters’ stewardship, KR made history by winning a domestic treble and cementing their spot as one of the greatest sides of the summer era in the Northern Hemisphere. The Challenge Cup brought an end to KR’s 40-year wait for a major trophy and once that was secured the League Leaders’ Shield and the Super League title followed.
The Australian’s success has not gone unnoticed down under and he has been linked with a number of head coach jobs. In fact, Peters turned down the opportunity to interview for the Newcastle Knights job last year.
Willie Peters hot on NRL radar, claims Lawton
Lawton, who has joined the club from North Queensland Cowboys, has seen Peters’ reputation down under grow and grow over the last couple of years and insists that the chance to work with him was a big draw.
However, he admits that he would not be surprised if more NRL clubs came calling for the head coach in the not too distant future, particularly if KR manage to kick on and take another step forward this year.
“Everyone speaks highly of Willie and how the club’s ran as well, so it ticked a lot of boxes, it was a no brainer really,” Lawton told Serious About Rugby League while explaining why Rovers felt like the right for him.
“The success he’s had over a short career is quite impressive to see. Obviously when I got the opportunity I jumped at it.”
He added: “Once you succeed anywhere, I think your reputation grows but I think it’s just the formula he has come up with and how he’s manufactured such a good team around it speaks for itself. There’ll be definitely NRL clubs interested in him for sure.
“His reputation, if we go good again this year, it’s going to go crazy again so I’ll be shocked if a lot of NRL aren’t chasing after him.”
NRL recruit shocked at intensity of Hull KR training
Lawton made the move from North Queensland and joined up with the Robins shortly after Christmas before travelling with the group to Tenerife for a warm weather training camp.
However, one thing that has struck the versatile forward is the intensity of training from the treble winners, who seem set on retaining their champion status in 2026.
“My first response when I came over here and trained was how hard they trained and how hungry they are considering they’ve just won the treble,” Lawton added.
“Honestly, I couldn’t believe how hard they trained and it’s such a nice feeling to know they’re still hungry and they still want it.”
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
