New Zealander Nathan Cayless will become the new head coach of Hull KR on a three-year deal from 2027, replacing outgoing Willie Peters.
The Super League club confirmed the news on Tuesday, with Cayless bringing considerable coaching experience from the NRL.
“Hull KR is the right coaching opportunity for me and I am grateful,” Cayless said.
“I’ve been coaching rugby league within NRL systems since 2014, starting in pathways and development, moving through to head coach of NSW Cup, NRL assistant coach roles and as an international assistant coach with the New Zealand Kiwis.
“My rugby league coaching philosophy aligns with the hardworking, successful culture that exists at Hull KR.
“When CEO Paul Lakin and I first spoke, we connected immediately via our alignment on the vision and philosophies required to produce sustained success on and off the field.
“The club’s clarity in sharing the journey to where it is today was integral to my understanding of the professionalism, structure, and strong leadership within the club.”
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Highlights of the Super League match between Hull Kingston Rovers and Leigh Leopards last Friday
Speaking on what sort of team the Hull KR fans can expect to see under his stewardship, Cayless added: “Under my leadership as head coach, the supporters can expect to see a group of players that continually put the team and club first, chase constant improvement, and execute the fundamentals of the game at the highest of standards consistently.
“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 values of honesty, integrity and hard work.
“These values have transferred into my coaching, as they are values of action, do what you say you will do and always do your best no matter what.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this exceptionally talented group. What I can see is evidence of a group of rugby league players, coaches and staff that are willing to put the team first and do the little things well for their team-mates on a consistent basis.”
Cayless is currently assistant coach of the New Zealand rugby league international side
The former Kiwi captain finished on a message to the Hull KR fans, saying: “I’d like the Hull KR supporters to know that I am honoured to become the next head coach of their rugby league club.
“I’m looking forward to serving the club, its players and wider community, and building on the culture of sustained excellence and success both on and off the field.”
Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin said: “This is the culmination of a comprehensive three-month process in which we have engaged with over 15 coaches worldwide.
“Nathan meets our desired profile and attributes exactly, and we are delighted to have secured his services.
“He is a born leader who has been an assistant for eight years across four NRL clubs, head coach at both NSW Cup and U20 levels, and is now assistant to Stacey Jones for New Zealand heading into the World Cup.
“He understands the culture of our club, how we compete as a team, and how we represent our community. In short Nathan just ‘gets it and us’, our ambitions, personality, and the trajectory we are on.
“We believe he has all the outstanding attributes necessary to continue the fantastic work and achievements of Willie Peters as he becomes our head coach from 2027 onwards.
“Our focus now, remains fully on this season, we have so much we all want to achieve together in 2026.”
2026 Super League – key dates and what to look out for
- Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5
- Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26
- Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20
- Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports+
