Willie Peters: Hull coach KR ‘keen to have discussions’ about England manager’s role

Hull KR’s treble-winning coach Willie Peters has said he is “keen” to hold talks about taking over as England coach at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

The 46-year-old Australian is among the contenders to succeed Shaun Wayne, who resigned on January 14.

Peters led Rovers to their first Super League Grand Final title last October, along with the League Leaders Shield and Challenge Cup.

He then joined the Australian team for the Rugby League Ashes series as assistant to head coach Kevin Walters, helping them to a 3–0 win over England.

“I would be keen to have discussions if that happened. It would be a pleasure to coach England, that’s for sure,” Peters told BBC Sport.

Former Wigan coach Wayne, 61, resigned after less than six years in charge, after leading England to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022.

Wayne worked on a full-time basis but the Rugby Football League said the role was “expected to revert to a part-time position”.

When asked if he had been approached about the role, Peters said: “No, I haven’t spoken to anyone yet.

“It’s a job that a lot of people would be interested in, and whoever coaches England will have a team that is very competitive. They show a lot of passion and effort, and that’s what the England team does.”

“Sean did that, which set them on fire in terms of effort and competition.

“There’s probably some different areas they need to work on. And like I said frankly, the spine is probably an area that needs to be focused but it’s not that far away.”

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from October 15 to November 15.

All of England’s matches will be played in Australia, with the opening match against Tonga in Perth on Saturday 17 October.