The pair previously worked together in Australia!
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters previously worked with Castleford Tigers danger man Krystian Mapapalangi in Australia.(Image: SWPix)
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters is relishing a reunion with Castleford Tigers’ new star Krystian Mapapalangi – after previously working with him in Australia.
Mapapalangi has emerged as one of Super League’s standout players so far in 2026, shining for Castleford despite a tricky start to the season.
Tigers officials are already keen to extend the 23-year-old’s contract after his eye-catching start to life in England, having joined on an initial two-year deal on the eve of the campaign.
Peters previously coached the talented outside-back at Newcastle Knights, where he made his NRL debut in 2022 against Canberra Raiders, before a stint at Wests Tigers prior to his move to Castleford.
Hull KR host the Tigers to kick off Super League Round 10, with eyes firmly on the Australian, who has racked up five tries and four assists this season.
“I coached Maps in Newcastle, so I know a fair bit about him,” Peters revealed.
“It’s good to see him playing good footy. He’s a good fella, and he’s certainly one of the better players this year for Cas.
“He’s come over here, found his feet and it looks like he’s at home at Cas, which is good to see.
“He’s got a handy player against him in Peta Hiku, so I’m looking forward to seeing that battle.”
Peters admits he has tracked Mapapalangi’s progress closely, including during a train-and-trial spell at Wests Tigers in 2025. But there was never a route for him to join Hull KR, with Oliver Gildart and Peta Hiku firmly established in the centres at Sewell Group Craven Park.
“He was always contracted to Newcastle and then Wests. He’s a player I’ve certainly followed, but we’ve always had our centres locked in for the last few years,” Peters explained.
“I’ve been happy with Gilly [Oliver Gildart] and Peta as well, but it’s really great to see him [Mapapalangi] doing well.”
Gildart is set to return from an ankle injury to face Castleford, with wing partner Joe Burgess also back after missing the win over Bradford Bulls through illness.
The reigning champions head into Thursday’s clash on the back of five straight wins in all competitions, including securing a Challenge Cup semi-final spot against Warrington Wolves.
Hull KR sit fifth on the table, while Ryan Carr’s Castleford have managed just three wins so far – although that includes a shock victory over Wigan Warriors away from home. The Tigers have recently added Tyler Dupree and former Rovers youngster Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e to their injury-hit squad, along with loan signing Tom Nicholson-Watton from Leeds Rhinos.
Peters added: “I’m expecting the Castleford Tigers team that played against Wigan to arrive at Craven Park.
“I thought they were outstanding against Wigan, and then they had a dip back at home. But when they’re on, they’re on – and we need to make sure we’re on, which we’ll focus on first.
“We’re back at home, and we’re looking forward to improving in front of our home fans.”