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New Zealander Nathan Kelce will replace the outgoing Willie Peters as Hull KR’s new head coach on a three-year deal from 2027.
The Super League club confirmed the news on Tuesday, with Kelce bringing considerable coaching experience from the NRL.
“Hull KR is the right coaching opportunity for me and I am grateful,” said Kelce.
“I have been coaching rugby league within the NRL system since 2014, starting in Pathways and Development, NSW Cup head coach, NRL assistant coach roles and international assistant coach with the New Zealand Kiwis.
“My rugby league coaching philosophy aligns with the hard-working, successful culture that exists at Hull KR.
“When CEO Paul Lakin and I first spoke, we connected immediately through our alignment on the vision and philosophy necessary for sustained success on and off the field.
“The club’s clarity in sharing the journey to where it is today was integral to my understanding of the club’s professionalism, structure and strong leadership.”
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Highlights from last Friday’s Super League match between Hull Kingston Rovers and Leigh Leopards
Speaking about the type of team Hull KR fans will see under his stewardship, Kelce added: “Under my leadership as head coach, supporters can expect to see a group of players who consistently put team and club first, constantly pursue improvement, and consistently execute the fundamentals of the game to the highest standard.
“My leadership journey began at the age of 21 when I was appointed captain of the Parramatta Eels NRL team. Throughout my playing career I have developed the values of honesty, integrity and hard work.
“These values have carried over into my coaching, because they value action, do what you say and always do your best no matter what.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this exceptionally talented group. What I see is testament to a group of players, coaches and staff in rugby league who are willing to put the team first and consistently do the little things for their teammates.”
Kelleys is currently the assistant coach of the New Zealand Rugby League international team
The former Kiwi captain concluded with a message to Hull KR fans, saying: “I want the Hull KR supporters to know that I am honored to be the next head coach of their rugby league club.
“I look forward to serving the club, its players and the wider community and building a culture of sustainable excellence and success on and off the field.”
Hull KR chief executive Paul Luckin said: “This is the culmination of an extensive three-month process in which we engaged with over 15 coaches worldwide.
“Nathan fits our desired profile and characteristics exactly, and we are delighted to have secured his services.”
“He is a born leader who has been an assistant for eight years at four NRL clubs, a head coach at both NSW Cup and U20 level, and now an assistant to World Cup-bound New Zealander Stacey Jones.
“He understands the culture of our club, how we compete as a team and how we represent our community. In short Nathan just ‘gets it and us’, our ambitions, personalities and the path we are on.
“We believe that Willie Peters has all the outstanding qualities necessary to continue his great work and achievements as he becomes our head coach from 2027.
“Our focus now, remains entirely on this season, we have a lot we all want to achieve together in 2026.”
2026 Super League – Key dates and what to look out for
- Magic Weekend: July 4-5 July
- Rival Round Reverse: July 23-July 26
- Playoff Elimination: September 19-September 20
- Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: 3 October, Old Trafford
Sky Sports Every game in the Super League will again be shown live this season – with two matches from each round exclusively live, the remaining five matches will be shown every week. Sky Sports+
