Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has issued strong support behind the club’s appointment of Nathan Cayless as his successor, with the current coach explaining the minor input he had in the new coach’s appointment.
The Robins confirmed earlier today that Cayless would join on a three-year deal with the former Kiwi international leaving his role coaching Parramatta Eels’ New South Wales Cup side to land his first opportunity as a head coach in first-grade.
That’s a similar path to the one that Peters took just over four years ago when he was announced as the incoming Hull KR head coach in mid-2022 before taking charge for the 2023 season.
Peters said: “It’s opportunity that people need and Nathan has worked hard for his opportunity. He’s worked through the grades. He’s been an assistant now for a while and he’s had his own teams with New South Wales Cup and it’s about getting an opportunity.
“I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity here and it’s about taking that opportunity, which I’m sure he’ll do.”
Peters also revealed what little input he had, stating that whilst it was a board decision, the club’s chief executive Paul Lakin did ask him about Cayless, from which Peters recalled his playing experience and the impressive leadership qualities of the 48-year-old.
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Those leadership qualities were something that Peters pointed to when asked about Cayless and what he believes the club could expect from their new head coach.
“I don’t know Nathan’s coaching style and all that, but I know Nathan as a person,” admitted Peters.
“I’ve met him playing against him and I know his values. He’s got strong values and he was a very good player when he played back in the day, the youngest captain to captain the NRL. He’s got great leadership qualities and I’m sure he’ll do well.
“I think he’s got strong values. He’s a quality person and works hard. I look at the way he used to play and I’m sure nothing’s changed from when he played.”
As for the fact the hunt for his successor is over and an appointment has been made, Peters stated: “I think it’s great. The club have got their man and Nathan’s in place for next year.
“There’s always a process to go through and the club had to do that. It’s great for the club now to appoint someone for the next three years.”
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