Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has explained why he has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Newcastle Knights job.
Willie Peters insists his sole focus remains on Hull KR, with a historic treble firmly within reach this season, after turning down the opportunity to interview for the vacant Newcastle Knights head coach role.
Reports from Australia suggested the Rovers boss had attracted interest from the NRL club following Adam O’Brien’s departure – having previously worked as an assistant at the Knights. However, the 46-year-old confirmed he has rejected the chance to interview, opting instead to concentrate on a crucial end-of-season run for the Robins, who are chasing a first-ever League Leaders’ Shield.
The Challenge Cup winners are also the favourites to claim the Super League title at Old Trafford in October, and Peters – who is contracted until 2028 – has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the club.
“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.
“It’s my sole focus to prepare these players and work with the staff to make sure we give this back end of the year what it deserves.
“That’s putting everything into it. 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. You need to be 100 per cent committed to what you’re doing.
“I’m not going to interview and I’m very comfortable saying that. My focus is to prepare these players to hopefully put ourselves in a position to go get the treble. That would be an unbelievable achievement for the club.”
Meanwhile, Peters says he has not been offered an official position on Australia’s coaching staff yet ahead of the much-anticipated Ashes – but admits it would be an honour to be a part of Kevin Walters’ team for the series in England.
The two international giants will meet later in autumn with matches scheduled for Wembley, Everton’s new ground and Leeds’ Headingley Stadium in the first Ashes in 22 years.
Peters explained: “Kevvie [Kevin Walters] publicly said he was going to call me, which he did. We chatted around the game over here and just general conversation around footy and life, and all that sort of stuff.
“There’s been nothing at this stage. Would I like to? Yes I would, if there was an opportunity. It would be an honour.
“But it was just general chats, and I’m sure Kevin will come back to me at the right time. There’s been nothing official. I know it’s been reported in the media, but if asked, I would like to be involved and I’ve made that clear.”