Australia coach Willie Peters on facing Hull KR stars, England's best player and 2026 challenge

Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten and Joe Burgess went straight into England mode after KR's maiden Grand Final win, while Willie Peters – the mastermind behind the club's magnificent treble – set about plotting their downfall as Australia's assistant coach.

There has been virtual radio silence ever since they parted ways, meaning the bragging rights will belong to Peters when they are reunited following Saturday's final Ashes Test at Headingley.

"There's been a little bit of acknowledgement on Instagram posts but I've respected that they're in camp," said Peters.

"They're England players for three-four weeks and have a job to do. I've had a job to do as well but I'm only a phone call away if they ever need anything.

"Once this game is finished and we're all united again, we'll get a photo together.

"If we win 3-0, there might be a bit of banter at the start of pre-season. I'm sure there would have been plenty from Mikey if it were the other way round. I might be a bit more humble than Mikey."

Peters is a staunch supporter of Super League, a competition he has experienced both as a coach and a player.

But for these past three weeks, he has had to adopt a single-minded approach.

"I've really enjoyed working with an elite group of players and staff, seeing how they go about their business," said the Sydney native.

"I'm obviously a proud Australian so it's been an honour to be part of the squad.

"I came in to do a job and help Australia win but obviously want the players and the game over here to do well. I'm part of the game over here and never forget that – but I've had a job to do in this series."

As well as helping the Kangaroos adjust to the nuances of the English game, Peters has given the inside track on the stars of Super League, including the men he knows better than most.

The result? Back-to-back wins for the tourists, rendering the third Test a dead rubber.

"A lot of players know individuals in the England team but some didn't," said Peters at Headingley on Friday. "Part of my role has been educating them and giving them a better understanding so they didn't go in blind.

"With the guys that play at KR, I think Jez has arguably been England's best player – he's been outstanding.

"Mikey didn't get a lot of game time in game two and I believe Joe will play in game three. It would be good to see those three play well tomorrow."

Australia clinched the series without hitting top gear, as evidenced by a completion rate of just 69 per cent in last week's second Test at Everton.

Ominously for the hosts, who have huffed and puffed with little success, Peters is sensing a big performance from the full-strength Kangaroos in pursuit of a series whitewash.

"England's spirit and passion have been right up there," he added.

"Finding ways to score has been difficult in the first two games. Is that because of our defence and willingness to stop tries or is it their combinations? I'm not too sure.

"England aren't far away. We've got the main areas right – effort, competing and defence. That wins games.

"There's been a bit of noise about our attack after game two. I don't think our attack has been great but I'm looking forward to seeing it click here."

As Australia – with the exception of Peters – ready themselves for the long journey home, the inquest into England's failings has already begun.

Shaun Wane's position is under scrutiny after a disastrous series on and off the field, while questions are also being asked about the state of the English game.

In the build-up to the Headingley Test, Wane himself has bemoaned the number of matches played and the overall standard.

While Peters has had no complaints about the intensity in his role as Hull KR head coach, he admits the expansion of Super League could change that.

"It's going to be interesting to see whether I still say the same thing about week-to-week intensity with 14 teams," he noted.

"This might be unpopular but a 10-team competition would be elite. Twelve teams has been great. How's 14 going to go? Where are they going to get the players from? It will be interesting.

"There's no doubt that scores may blow out throughout the season and you don't want that."

Rovers are the team to beat after sweeping the board this year.

Peters will enjoy a well-earned rest before gearing up for a blockbuster start to the new season.

"We're going to have a challenging schedule but it's a privilege to be in this position," said Peters, whose side face Brisbane Broncos and Leeds Rhinos on either side of the Atlantic in February.

"We've got the World Club Challenge and the week after we're going to Vegas. It's going to be good to see how we handle it.

"How do we handle success? We need to go back to what helped us get there.

"It's a new season and there are going to be 13 hungry teams so we need to maintain our standards and not lose what we're about.

"If you do that, you're going to have a spiral; if you don't lose what got you there, you'll put yourselves in a strong position."