Nathan Kells: Hull KR have signed the New Zealander on a three-year deal

Hull KR have appointed Nathan Kells as their head coach on a three-year deal from next season.

The 48-year-old will replace Super League champion Willie Peters at the end of the New Zealand campaign.

Peters announced in March that he would be leaving at the end of 2026 to take charge of the new National Rugby League’s Papua New Guinea Chiefs.

Kelce is the coach of the Parramatta Eels’ New South Wales Cup team and is also the assistant coach of New Zealand.

“My rugby league coaching philosophy aligns with the hard-working, successful culture that exists at Hull KR.” He told the club’s website., outsider

“When CEO Paul Lakin and I first spoke, we connected immediately through our alignment with the vision and philosophy necessary for sustained success on and off the field.”

Kelce spent his entire playing career with the Eels and made 259 appearances for them between 1998 and 2010.

He captained the team a club record 221 times and led New Zealand to victory in the 2008 World Cup final against Australia.

“Nathan has been an outstanding servant to the Parramatta Eels and we are incredibly proud to see him receive this head coaching opportunity,” Jim Sarantinos, chief executive of Eels., outsider

“His work with our program has been invaluable, particularly in developing young players and preparing them for NRL football.”

More to follow.