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After leaving the top job at Huddersfield giants in 2024, Ian Watson has found his way back into coaching in the Super League as assistant to champions Hull KR.
Watson had a successful couple of seasons with the Giants, leading them to the Challenge Cup final in 2022. Before that, he guided Salford Red Devils all the way to the Super League Grand Final in 2019 where they later lost to St Helens.
He left the Giants in July 2024 by mutual consent and subsequently moved to the role of assistant coach of American Major League Rugby team Seattle Seawolves.
Following that monumental move to the US, and Danny Ward’s move from Hull KR to London Broncos, Watson has returned to Super League for the 2026 season as assistant to Willie Peters.
Watson joins Robins in what will be Peters’ last year at the club before moving into the role of head coach of the PNG Chiefs, a new NRL franchise set to join the Australian competition in 2028.
A successor to Peters has not been confirmed but it is not a role Watson is eyeing. However, he sees himself returning to a top coaching job at some point in his career.
“I think one thing they’re really good at at Hull KR is a little bit of succession planning,” Watson said. Sky Sports’ The Bench podcast
“I think somebody has in mind who they’ve got. Whether it works or not, they’ll be able to tell you that. I can’t tell you.
“I’ve had a chat with the club and just said, if there’s some consistency in the way they train, the way they prepare, because it’s very similar.
“If they want that kind of continuity, I’m willing to look at it and step up if it’s needed and they thought I was the right person to do it.
“My ambition is to get back into head coaching at some point. Whether it’s here, we don’t know.
“One never knows. I think everything is timing.”
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Highlights of the Super League match between Hull KR and Wigan Warriors.
Watson also credits the culture of Hull KR and working with Peters as why he is enjoying his role so much after some time away from the competition.
In fact, he believes it is “first class”.
“Coming to Hal KR, it’s been great to be fair. It’s been a new challenge in many ways,” he added.
“Going to Seattle helped, stepping back a little bit, being an assistant coach where you get to see things a little differently without the pressure of being in and around a head coach role.
“So, coming here in first grade, just trying to gel with the boys and build their relationships with Willie and the playing staff.
“It’s been really good to move into the area and get to know the community.
“You walk into the gym, everyone’s playing rugby here, everyone’s right into you and talking to you about the place.
“They’re really welcoming and you have a proper community where they’re asking about your family. They don’t even know your family, but they’re asking about your family.”
2026 Super League – Key dates and what to look out for
- Super League in Paris: Sat June 6: Catalan Dragons vs Wigan Warriors (Paris)6.30pm UK (Sky Sports)
- 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+
