Hull Kingston Rovers’ most successful coach Willie Peters admits “there’s been tears” as his family prepare to bid an emotional farewell to East Yorkshire.
The 47-year-old Australian is returning home with his wife, Kera, and two sons having enjoyed an “instant connection” with locals after bringing a period of unprecedented success during his four years at the rugby league club.
“Hull gets a negative rap with people who aren’t from here, they call it all sorts of names,” he said.
“Once you come and understand what the city is about, what the people are about and get an appreciation of what this city is truly about, you’re going to miss that.”
Under Peters, Hull KR made club history by winning the domestic treble last season and in February they were crowned World Champions for the first time.
He said he he had embraced the area and all it had to offer.
“I lived in Beverley, it’s a beautiful town and full of good people,” said Peters. “Not necessarily rugby league people but just good, genuine people.
“I used to go to a place called Vanessa’s Cafe and for a while it was just jacket potatoes.
“I enjoyed that life. Keep it nice and simple and pretty much focus on the things I enjoy and that was family, work and a few different cafes.”