Hull FC coach Andy Last showed some class towards Hull KR post-match.
Hull KR coach Willie Peters. (Image: Getty)
Hull FC coach Andy Last will be glad to see the back of departing Hull KR supremo Willie Peters at the end of the year – and has made no secret of the Black and Whites’ recent derby hurt.
Peters will bring the curtain down on a superb four-year stint in East Hull at the conclusion of the 2026 season, joining new NRL franchise PNG Chiefs ahead of their inaugural 2028 campaign.
The Australian masterminded Thursday’s 34-20 triumph over Hull, with Rovers coming from 12-0 down to record a ninth successive derby win, and for Peters, who has had the measure of his club’s cross-city rivals, it was his 10th win from 11 clashes.
“It’s difficult to deal with,” Last conceded when speaking post-match. “I’m just glad to see the back of Willie Peters in regard to the derby. He’s certainly got them up for them and there was probably a lot of emotion attached to tonight’s game with it being Willie’s last one.
“I said that to him after the game, ‘I’m glad to see the back of you,’ as he’s certainly had the run over us as head coach for Hull Kingston Rovers. It’s going to be a hard one to get over but we have to get over it quickly.”
Last also praised Jez Litten after another strong derby display. The 28-year-old former Hull FC man ran the show for the Robins in a classy and dominant performance from dummy-half.
“The nine, Jez; he’s just a different level,” Last said. “His ability to pick the right pass, challenge the ‘A’ defenders, the markers, his kicking game, how he rolls the ruck – he’s an exceptional player and Hull Kingston Rovers are lucky to have him.
“I thought it was no surprise he got Man of the Match. He was absolutely huge for them.”