Hull KR: Nathan Cayless announced as new Robins manager in 2027 on three-year deal replacing Willie Peters | Rugby League News
New Zealander Nathan Cayless will be the new manager of Hull KR on a three-year contract from 2027, replacing the outgoing Willie Peters.
The Super League club confirmed the news on Tuesday, with Cayless bringing coaching experience from the NRL.
“Hull KR is the right coaching opportunity for me and I’m grateful,” said Cayless.
“I have been coaching rugby league within the NRL systems since 2014, starting in methods and development, progressing to NSW Cup head coach, NRL coach roles and international assistant coach with the New Zealand Kiwis.
“My rugby league coaching philosophy is the hard working, successful culture that exists at Hull KR.
“When CEO Paul Lakin and I first spoke, we immediately connected on the vision and philosophies needed to generate continued success on and off the field.
“The team’s transparency in sharing the journey to where they are today was critical to my understanding of the team’s professionalism, structure and strong leadership.”
Speaking about the type of team Hull KR fans can expect to see under his leadership, Cayless added: “Under my leadership as head coach, fans can expect to see a group of players who always put the team and the club first, pursue continuous improvement, and apply the fundamentals of the game to the highest standards.
“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 developed the values of honesty, integrity and hard work.
“These values have carried over into my training, as they are principles of action, do what you say you’re going to do and always do your best no matter what.
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead this amazingly talented team. What I see is evidence of a group of rugby league players, coaches and staff who are willing to put the team first and do the little things well for their teammates on an ongoing basis.”
Cayless is currently the assistant coach of the New Zealand rugby team
The former Kiwi captain finished his message to Hull KR fans, saying: “I would like Hull KR fans to know that I am honored to be the next coach of their rugby league team.
“I look forward to serving the club, its players and the wider community, and building on a culture of continued excellence and success on and off the pitch.”
Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin said: “This is the result of a comprehensive three-month program where we have engaged with over 15 coaches around the world.
“Nathan meets our profile and desired characteristics exactly, and we are delighted to have acquired his services.
“He is a born leader who has been an assistant for eight years at four NRL teams, a head coach at both NSW Cup and U20 levels, and is now Stacey Jones’ assistant in New Zealand heading into the World Cup.
“He understands the culture of our team, how we compete as a team, and how we represent our community. In short, Nathan ‘gets with us’, our aspirations, our personalities, and the path we are on.
“We believe he has all the good qualities needed to continue the good work and success of Willie Peters as he becomes our head coach from 2027 onwards.
“Our focus now is to fully focus 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
- Magical Weekend: July 4-July 5
- Rivals Round postponed: July 23-July 26
- To finish playing games: September 19-September 20
- It’s a semi-final: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford
Sky Sports will also show every Super League game live this season – including two games from each round live exclusively, with the remaining five games each week shown on Sky Sports+
