Champions Hull KR name World Cup-winning captain as man to succeed Willie Peters

The 48-year-old New Zealander has signed a three-year deal ahead of the 2027 campaign, succeeding Willie Peters who will leave the club at the end of the current season having guided them to Super League’s domestic treble last term and World Club Challenge glory in February.

Cayless - who will join the club following the World Cup in Australia where he will work as assistant coach for New Zealand - brings with him a wealth of coaching experience from the NRL and international game.

The former New Zealand international – who captained the Kiwis to World Cup success in 2008 - is said to be known for his leadership, professionalism and ability to develop players.

In an interview with the club’s website, Cayless said: “Hull KR is the right coaching opportunity for me and I am grateful.

“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.”

On his coaching style, Cayless added: “Under my leadership, 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.

“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.

“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 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.”

Hull KR have not met the same high standards as last season but have still reached a Challenge Cup final and sit third in Super League ahead of Friday night’s trip to leaders Leeds Rhinos.

Lakin added: “Our focus now remains fully on this season, we have so much we all want to achieve together in 2026.”