The Rovers coach has won everything at Hull KR
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has expressed his strong interest in the NRL.
After leading Hull KR to the top of the world, head coach Willie Peters has declared himself ready for an NRL opportunity, putting his name in the mix for an upcoming role.
Hull KR have become just the fourth side in Super League history to hold all four major trophies at once, defeating Brisbane Broncos 30-24 in one of the greatest World Club Challenge contests in recent memory.
Last year, the Robins completed a historic treble to end their long wait for silverware in emphatic fashion. Their remarkable campaign culminated in a Grand Final victory over Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.
Now, Peters has told Australian media that he believes he is ready to test himself in the NRL, confirming interest in the head coaching role with the incoming PNG franchise.
The new expansion club is set to enter the NRL in 2028. London Broncos boss Jason Demetriou has also expressed interest in the position and is currently head coach of the Papua New Guinea Kumuls national side.
“I believe I’m ready to go,” Peters said. “The only way you can show that is by getting an opportunity in the NRL and proving yourself. I’ve always been the type of person who lets my actions do the talking.
“My family and I have really enjoyed being over here, but if the opportunity arises, I’ll certainly look at the NRL. It would be great to prove myself back in the NRL at some stage.”
Taking charge of the PNG club would require building from the ground up ahead of its inaugural season, similar to the task currently underway for Perth Bears under Mal Meninga before their introduction next year.
Peters has transformed the Robins during his tenure and last year became the first coach to be crowned back-to-back Super League Coach of the Year.
He also joined Australia’s coaching team under Kevin Walters for last year’s Ashes series, and previously worked as an assistant at South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Sea Eagles Down Under.
The Rovers coach has made it clear he is interested in the vacant England head coach role for the World Club, however he is under contract at Craven Park until the end of 2028 and has not given KR any indication he wants to leave his position at this time. However, Rovers understand there is an ambition to return home to coach at some stage.
“The short answer is I would be interested in that conversation,” Peters added on PNG Chiefs.
“It’s a unique opportunity because it’s a team where you can create the culture and DNA of a club for many years.
“But setting up the culture of PNG would excite me. Connection and care are the two values that I hold really closely to any team that I coach and it’s what I value.
“Living away from home, you would need to become a family in PNG and create that environment. That’s something I believe I’ve done well here at Hull KR.
“I haven’t thought about PNG too much, but I need to look into it and find out if they are interested in a coach like myself and whether my wife and family would be interested as well.”