Warrington Wolves beat Hull KR 35-12 in their Super League eliminator at the Halliwell Jones Stadium to set up a semi-final against Leeds Rhinos, with Peta Hiku seeing red for a punch on George Williams. The win marks Warrington’s first semi-final appearance since 2024. Hull KR, the reigning champions, lose a season that included Willie Peters winning the Super League for the club for the first time in history. Peters’ reign at the Robins is now over.
Hiku’s Red Card
The turning point came early in the second half. Hiku was shown a red card for a punch on Williams, leaving Hull KR with 12 men for the remainder of the game. Warrington made the advantage count immediately. Ashton scored his second try from the resulting set, putting the Wolves 16-6 up with 35 minutes remaining.
“Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately it did again tonight, but I can’t fault the players.”
Ashton’s Hat-Trick
Ashton completed his hat-trick three quarters of the way through the match. He crossed for his third try following a big interception from James Bentley, with Irwin converting to stretch the lead to 16 points. Albert Hopoate also scored, diving brilliantly at the corner to add further pressure on Hull KR.
Williams Rubs Salt In
The game was sealed in the closing stages. Williams kicked a late drop goal, then Toby King finished with a try as Irwin wrapped up the 35-12 victory. Williams had earlier set up the first try with some incredible vision, sending a grubber kick through that allowed Currie to collect and score under the posts. Irwin’s conversion made it 6-0 to Warrington.
The Half-Time Score
Warrington led 12-6 at half-time. Ben Currie’s try, converted by Irwin, gave the home side an early lead. Ewan Irwin slotted a penalty for offside, and Matty Ashton scored to put Warrington 12-0 up. Hull KR hit back with a wonder-try. A pass from Jack Broadbent to Arthur Mourgue started a move that saw Mourgue race 70 metres before finding Joe Burgess, who finished. Mourgue converted, and the deficit was reduced to two points. Dean Hadley’s try in the 53rd minute brought Hull KR level at 16-12, but Warrington responded quickly through Ashton’s hat-trick.
Peters’ Farewell
There was extended applause for Peters in the away end as he left the field. Burgess celebrated on the pitch with his family, continuing his own quest to build something monumental at Warrington. Peters spoke after the game, reflecting on the season that ended with his departure.
“I can’t fault the players. I’m really proud of them. They kept fighting until the end,” he said.
He praised Warrington’s performance throughout the campaign.
“Warrington played really well and have been a very good team all year. I wish them all the best, but I’m really, really proud of this group and what they’ve achieved over the last four years. We’ve made a lot of beautiful memories.”
Semi-Final Dates
The Super League semi-finals take place on Friday September 25 and Saturday September 26, live on Sky Sports. Warrington will head to Leeds on Friday at 8pm. Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday at 5.30pm.
| Match | Date | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|
| Warrington vs Leeds | Friday September 25 | 8pm |
| Wigan vs Wakefield | Saturday September 26 | 5.30pm |
A Season Of Discipline
Peters’ assessment of the season summed up the pattern that cost Hull KR this night. Poor discipline has been a recurring issue across his time in charge, and tonight’s red card proved decisive. The game had been close, with tries denied for both sides in corner-flying finishes from Ashton and Burgess. Neither winger could get the ball down before being bulldozed into touch.
A Deserved Result
Warrington deserved the win. They were the better team on the night, and their ability to convert discipline into points was the difference. The red card changed the game, but Warrington’s quality showed through afterwards. Each addition to the scoreline added to a performance that was always going to be too much for Hull KR to handle.
The semi-final against Leeds awaits. Warrington will have to manage without the player who was shown red, and Leeds will be ready for a team that has finally ended a long wait for the knockouts.
See the video the story is built around at Sky Sports.
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