A huge appointment for the Hull KR head coach.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters is set to join Australia’s coaching staff for this year’s highly anticipated Ashes series and could face some of his current club stars in Shaun Wane’s England squad.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Peters has accepted an offer from Kangaroos head coach Kevin Walters to be part of his backroom team for the three-match series this autumn, with games scheduled for Wembley Stadium, Everton’s new ground, and Leeds’ Headingley Stadium.
Walters has made it clear he values the insight of Super League coaches, having also previously discussed fellow Australians Brad Arthur, John Cartwright, and Peters.
Hull FC boss Cartwright however is heading back to Australia during the off-season, although says he will happily help out in preparations whenever he can over the phone.
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur also ruled himself out of any permanent position, citing family reasons.
According to reports down under, Rovers’ Peters has accepted an offer to join the Kangaroos’ coaching staff, adding his knowledge of the Super League competition ahead of the historic series – the first Ashes in 22 years.
Peters could be set to coach against some of his current Hull KR stars, with Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis, Elliot Minchella and James Batchelor named in Wane’s extended squad earlier this year.
St Helens and Great Britain great Paul Sculthorpe has recently led calls for in-form hooker Litten to start in the Ashes, amid an impressive campaign for the Robins.
Reigning Man of Steel Lewis meanwhile has had direct involvement in more tries than any other Super League player, with 19 tries and a further 27 assists. He faces competition against the likes of George Williams and Harry Smith for a starting shirt, while Jake Connor has also enjoyed some of his best form this season at Leeds. He was not named in the initial squad, however.
The Ashes kicks-off in the capital on Saturday, October 25.