Willie Peters the frontrunner for Hull KR head coaching role

Willie Peters is in pole position to be named the next head coach Hull KR. Hull Live understands the 43-year has been part of the interviewing process and is the favourite to land the role ahead of the 2023 season.

Peters, 43, is currently the assistant coach of Newcastle Knights and has served as an NRL assistant for the last six years. During his time in the game he has worked under Wayne Bennett, Trent Barrett, Adam O'Brien and former Rovers player Anthony Seibold.

CEO Paul Lakin said in an interview with Hull Live that the club was chasing someone with Super League experience, something O'Brien has from his playing days after playing for Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings, as well as Gateshead Thunder.

Highly respected in the game, Peters would be landing an attractive job in Super League after Rovers' recent rise. Despite two disappointing results they remain on an ascent and they are currently sixth in Super League after eleven rounds.

If appointed, he will take charge at the end of the season, with Smith set to remain in the role until the end of his contract. However, recruitment and retention will be left in the hands of the incoming boss, which was a major reason for Rovers' urgency and swift handling of finding Smith's successor.