Hull KR have appointed Nathan Cayless as their new head coach on a three-year contract starting next season.
The 48-year-old former New Zealand forward will replace Willie Peters at the reigning Super League champions at the end of the campaign. Peters announced in March that he would leave his role at the conclusion of 2026 to take up the head coach position at new NRL side Papua New Guinea Chiefs.
Cayless joins Hull KR after coaching Parramatta Eels’ New South Wales Cup side and serving as an assistant coach with New Zealand. He enjoyed a distinguished playing career with the Eels, making 259 appearances between 1998 and 2010, captaining the club a record 221 times, and leading New Zealand to their 2008 World Cup triumph over Australia.
Speaking after his appointment, Cayless said his coaching philosophy aligned with Hull KR’s culture and ambitions for sustained success.
Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos praised Cayless’ contribution to the club, highlighting his role in developing young players and preparing them for top-level rugby league.
Cayless will take over a Hull KR side built into one of Super League’s strongest teams under Peters, who guided the Robins to a historic 2024 season. That year they won the Challenge Cup, the League Leaders’ Shield, and the Grand Final, before going on to defeat Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge.
This season, Hull KR reached the Challenge Cup final but were beaten by Wigan, while they currently sit third in Super League, four points behind leaders Leeds with a game in hand.
