Willie Peters made his stance crystal clear when speaking to press earlier this week.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters speaks to press after his side’s World Club Challenge victory over Brisbane Broncos.
Hull KR’s all-conquering boss Willie Peters has once again addressed the growing NRL speculation – and made his position crystal clear.
The 47-year-old Aussie has taken Rovers to the very top – sweeping up every major trophy over the past 12 months, capped by a stunning World Club Challenge triumph over Brisbane Broncos.
Unsurprisingly, his red-hot success has made him one of the most in-demand coaches in rugby league.
Peters has made no secret of his desire of one day coaching in the NRL, alongside interest in the vacant England head coaching role.
With several NRL clubs already under early-season pressure, his name is being heavily tipped – especially with the competition set to expand to 19 teams when the PNG Chiefs enter in 2028.
England legend James Graham recently dubbed him the NRL’s “next cab off the rank”, while big-name former stars Luke Keary and Chad Townsend have all backed him for a top job in Australia. Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds also backed Peters to be a big hit in the NRL after guiding the Robins to a 30-24 victory over the reigning Australian champions.
Despite all the noise, Peters insists nothing is distracting him from the job at hand, with Rovers hunting a second Super League win of the season against Catalans Dragons.
Hull KR flew to the south of France on Wednesday and will face Joel Tomkins’ side in a 5:30pm UK time kick-off.
“I’ve said before that at some stage, I’ve got a desire to coach in the NRL. Nothing has changed there,” Peters said.
“But my sole focus is on what I’m doing now. I’m coaching Hull KR and my focus is on the players and staff here and making sure we’re ready to go against Catalans.
“I’ve openly said I’ve got a desire to go back [to the NRL] at some stage. I’ve no idea when that would be.
“All I’m focused on is doing the best job I can do at this club. I’ll continue to do that.”
Having been named the frontrunner to succeed Shaun Wane on the international stage, Peters also insisted he has heard nothing regarding the vacant England role ahead of this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
“I’ve not heard anything,” Peters admitted. “I don’t think I’m the person to ask.
“I’m sure they’re working behind the scenes on who the next coach is, but I haven’t been given any information and I’m certainly not the person to ask about that.”