He’s just won an historic Super League treble with Hull KR and will be Kevin Walters’ right-hand man in the upcoming Ashes series.
So, when can we expect to see Willie Peters coaching in the NRL?
Sydney born and raised, the 46-year-old played 76 NRL games for the Rabbitohs and Dragons between 1997-2003.
After holding assistant coaching roles with Manly, Souths and Newcastle, he linked with Hull KR as head coach at the end of the 2022 season and has turned the Yorkshire club’s fortunes around with three straight finals appearances capped with the 2025 Super League title.
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With every NRL coaching vacancy in 2025, it seems the reigning Super League coach of the year has been mentioned as a potential replacement—and understandably so.
Newcastle was reported to be very keen to interview Peters for their vacant coaching position after firing Adam O’Brien in late August, however Peters declined in order to maintain his focus on guiding Hull KR towards the Super League playoffs.
“I don’t want any distractions at the back end of the year with Hull KR and what we’re doing and where we’re going,” Peters said at the time.
“I’m not going to tell the players that we need to be committed for the next six weeks if I’m interviewing for jobs in the NRL and then come back and tell them that I’m back in, it doesn’t work like that.”
‘When that is? I’m not sure’ says Peters
That isn’t to say a return home to coach in the NRL isn’t on the horizon, despite having a contract with Hull KR that runs for three more seasons.
“I’ve got it in my goals to coach in the NRL but one thing I’ve learnt is not to think too far ahead,” Peters said on SEN radio ahead of the Super League grand final.
“I’m contracted (with Hull KR) to 2028, but it’s something I want to do—when that is? I’m not sure.”
One thing that is for sure is almost every NRL club will have Peters’ name at the top of their coaching shortlist should the 2026 season not go according to plan.