Willie Peters will end his historic tenure as Hull KR head coach at the end of the Super League season.
The 47-year-old will leave Craven Park having masterminded a period of success few would have imagined when he was appointed head coach in 2023.
Peters helped end the club's 40-year trophy drought with victory in the 2025 Challenge Cup final and went on to secure the League Leaders' Shield and the Super League Grand Final as Hull KR finished the season as treble winners.
February's emphatic 30-24 victory over the Brisbane Broncos delivered yet more success, with the capture of a maiden World Club Challenge elevating the Robins to the pinnacle of the sport.
In a statement, Peters revealed he would pursue coaching opportunities in the NRL after bringing the curtain down on his Hull KR chapter.
It has since been confirmed that Peters will become the inaugural head coach of the new PNG Chiefs franchise.
"I've made no secret of my desire to coach in the NRL as the next step of my career; however, it makes this decision no less difficult," Peters said.
"I want to thank the board, the players and all the staff at Sewell Group Craven Park for their support and commitment during four wonderful years in which I have developed as a coach and as a person.
"I'd also like to thank the best fans in the world for welcoming me and my family since our arrival. Hull KR and the East Hull community will forever be in our hearts.
"The job is not done. I am fully committed to what lies ahead, starting this week as we prepare the players for the Hull derby on Friday. Our goal is always to make our community proud, and we aim to do that each and every week."
After the PNG Chiefs appointment, Peters added: "I believe that what we build with the PNG Chiefs can change the lives of Papua New Guineans for generations to come.
"Not many coaches get an opportunity like that. This opportunity transcends rugby league."
A Hull KR statement expressed gratitude to Peters for all he had achieved in a trophy‑laden spell as head coach, which they insisted was not yet over.
"Willie will leave with the very best wishes of everyone at the club after four years as the most successful coach in our modern history, taking us to the very pinnacle of the sport as world champions," it read.
"The club is also grateful to Willie for the advance notice of his decision, which allows plenty of time for candidates to come forward and for all options to be assessed.
"Developing world‑class talent that others wish to attract is part of running an elite sports club. We see it as testament to the club and the culture we are building that our people attract interest from around the world.
"At the appropriate time, the club will acknowledge Willie's immense contribution in recent years. But for now, the full focus of the whole club remains on the 2026 season, where there is so much to achieve."
Hull KR owner Neil Hudgell added: "As the coach of the World Club champions, he deserves to go out on his terms, with our respect, appreciation and best wishes.
"Willie Peters led us to the most successful season in the history of Hull rugby league in 2025. For now, and for the rest of this year, he will continue to drive a culture that demands success."
