Willie Peters has addressed reports that link him to a role with the Australian coaching set-up for when the Kangaroos travel to England this autumn.
Australia will take on England in a three-match Ashes series starting in October, as Wembley, Everton and Leeds all host what should be a trio of spectacular matchups. At the helm for the Green and Gold is former Queensland coach and 2023 NRL Grand Final runner-up Kevin Walters, who took over the role from Mal Meninga, as he opted to join the newly formed Perth Bears ahead of their inclusion to the NRL in 2027.
Walters will have the chance to bring in his own coaches for the series, but reports this week linked three Super League coaches with helping the former Brisbane Broncos boss out, one of whom was 46-year-old Peters.
Asked in his weekly press conference whether the rumours were true, the Robins boss admitted that the first he knew about it was when he read about it in the media, however wouldn’t say no to helping his fellow countryman.
“I haven’t spoken to Kevin yet,” said Peters. “I don’t have Kevin’s number stored, but if the phone rings then I’m sure I’ll answer it, and then I’m certainly not going to hang up on Kevin.
“I’ve only read what was in the media that Kev may call me. My name was mentioned. That’s all I can honestly tell you at the moment.”
Peters’ Rovers have yet another huge clash this week against St Helens, and after facing Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos in recent weeks, their run-in doesn’t get any easier.
He said: “If Kev calls me, I don’t know what he’s going to say. If he does call me, we’ll have a chat, certainly. At the moment, my focus is what I’m doing here, in terms of preparing for this week.
“There’s not much I can say, to be honest. I haven’t heard anything.”
Hull KR boss admits who he will be supporting when England face Australia
Peters has been in the UK since the start of 2023, and also had spells in the British game as a player, featuring for Gateshead, Wigan and Widnes. However, that hasn’t changed his mind on who he will be cheering for at the end of the season.
“I’m always Australian, so that won’t change,” he confirmed. “As I’ve said all year, I’d love to see as many of our players at the end of the year. Obviously, that’s up to Shaun Wane.
“I think the series is going to be a great series. There’s no doubt about that. I know what the players are doing over here. I know what English-based players are over there, so they’re going to have certainly a very good team and a strong team, but I also know what the Aussies will have as well.
He added: “I’m looking forward to it, I really am, and as I said, if I get a call and he wants to have a chat, I don’t know what that’s about, but I’ll answer the call and certainly chat to Kevin.
