Willie Peters underlines Grand Final focus as Hull KR boss lands Ashes coaching role

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has had an incredible season and that’s landed him a significant coaching role, which he’s now spoken about.

Guiding Hull KR to their first silverware since 1985, Peters hasn’t just helped Hull KR lift one trophy, but two. The Challenge Cup success in June has been followed by a League Leaders Shield win with the Robins proving themselves to be the best in Super League over the course of the season.

Those successes have seen him shortlisted as Super League Coach of the Year alongside Adrian Lam and Grand Final foe Matt Peet, with Peters hoping to win the award for a second successive year. The result of that, as well as the Man of Steel and numerous other awards, will be confirmed tonight (Tuesday October 7th) at the Rugby League awards.

Peters will be celebrating no matter what after being confirmed as an assistant for Australia at the upcoming Ashes, clear recognition from the ARLC and head coach Kevin Walters of his incredible season.

When previously asked about links to that role, Peters said: “If I get a call and he wants to have a chat, I don’t know what that’s about, but I’ll answer the call and certainly chat to Kevin.”

Hull KR boss Willie Peters confirmed as Australia assistant for the Ashes

As such, Peters will link up with the Australian squad in the days after the Grand Final but he has made it very clear that Hull KR and that match at Old Trafford are his priority, as would be expected.

As Hull KR announced the news, they also shared comments from Peters who spoke about the pride in working for his nation before affirming that the “main focus” remains with Hull KR.

“It’s a huge honour to be working with the Kangaroos for the upcoming Ashes,” Peters said.

“There’s so much history between Australia and England and it’s great to see they’ve brought the Ashes back. I’m really proud to be involved and supporting Head Coach, Kevin Walters. I’m looking forward to linking up with the side and preparing for the Ashes.”

In a final message that will assure Hull KR fans, Peters added: “For now, the main focus is this Saturday’s Grand Final with Hull KR and putting everything into this week.”

Australia have already confirmed their 24-man squad, though changes have already been made with players dropping out, whilst Shaun Wane will confirm England’s squad on the Monday after the Grand Final.

It’s very likely that Peters will be coaching against some of his Hull KR players with the likes of Mike Lewis and Jez Litten among those expected to be part of England’s squad.

Before then, those at Hull KR will be fully focused on completing the treble and securing a first Super League crown with Wigan Warriors all that’s standing in their way.

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Hull KR are delighted to announce Head Coach, Willie Peters has been selected as an Assistant Coach for the @Kangaroos ahead of the Ashes tour later this month 🦘🇦🇺

Read more 👉 https://t.co/IYznb2BBRj#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ZZq3oGq5gn

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) October 6, 2025