
Hull KR treble-winning coach Willie Peters is ready to embrace the role of pantomime villain when Australia take on England in the Ashes series, which kicks off this Saturday.
The 46-year-old has joined Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos coaching staff for the three-Test series in London, Liverpool and Leeds, after guiding Hull KR to a historic season in 2025.
Australia touched down in England last week and immediately ramped up preparations for the highly anticipated series, including opposed training sessions with France. Sydney Roosters head coach Trent Robinson has also been in London with the French national team.
Peters is braced for a hostile reception when the series begins at Wembley on Saturday, with a UK record-breaking crowd expected. Acting as Australia’s inside man, he’ll help shape a game plan against an England side made up largely of Super League stars he’s already conquered.
“I know what I’m getting myself into. They will give it to me, there’s no doubt,” Peters told The Daily Telegraph.
“The fans are going to hate me over here, but that’s alright.
The two nations last met in the 2017 World Cup final in Brisbane, where Australia edged England 6-0 in a fierce battle at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m not here not to win,” Peters added.
“I’ve already had people congratulate me, whether they’re from KR or other clubs, but they can’t wish me luck. What they do well over here is support their team, whether it’s club footy or internationals.”
“They will give it to me in London and they will give it to me up there (in the north), but that’s all part of rugby league.”
Peters will be coaching against some of his own Hull KR players in Mikey Lewis, Joe Burgess and Jez Litten – all try-scorers in their Grand Final triumph over Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos have been tipped to name four debutants in their squad, including Brisbane Broncos star full-back Reece Walsh and former Wallabies representative Mark Nawaqanitawase.
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