Hull KR head coach Willie Peters believes Nathan Cayless is ready for his first top job after backing the club's decision to appoint the former New Zealand international as his successor.

Peters sees parallels between the 48-year-old's appointment and the opportunity he was handed when he arrived at Craven Park at the end of 2022.

Cayless, who captained New Zealand to World Cup success in 2008, has served a long apprenticeship as an assistant in the NRL and international rugby league.

"It's opportunity that people need and Nathan has worked hard for his opportunity," said Peters.

"He's worked through the grades. He's been an assistant now for a while and he's had his own teams in the New South Wales Cup.

"I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity here and it's about taking that opportunity, which I'm sure he'll do."

Cayless will be tasked with maintaining the standards that have turned Hull KR into perennial trophy contenders under Peters.

The former Parramatta Eels stalwart has been backed to build on the culture established at Craven Park.

Nathan Cayless is preparing to take over at Craven Park. (Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Nathan Cayless is preparing to take over at Craven Park. (Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

"I don't know Nathan's coaching style and all that but I know Nathan as a person," said Peters. "I've played against him and know he's got strong values.

"He was a very good player when he played back in the day – the youngest captain to captain in the NRL. He's got great leadership qualities and I'm sure he'll do well.

"He's a quality person and works hard. I look at the way he used to play and I'm sure nothing's changed from when he played."

Peters will stand down at the end of the campaign after a successful four-year spell in charge.

Willie Peters has endorsed the appointment. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

The Australian led Rovers to the treble last season and added the World Club Challenge at the start of this year, while also guiding the club to three other major finals.

He insisted he played only a small part in Cayless' appointment despite his influence at Craven Park.

"It's a board decision and it was a board decision," said Peters. "They ultimately made the decision.

"Paul Lakin asked me if I had much to do with Nathan. I obviously played against him and the thing that stood out about Nathan was his leadership qualities. I just gave Paul that feedback.

Joe Burgess is set to miss the trip to Headingley. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"Ultimately, this was a Paul Lakin and board decision."

Peters' immediate focus remains on finishing his own tenure strongly.

The Robins sit four points behind leaders Leeds Rhinos ahead of Friday's meeting at Headingley.

Peters, whose side have a game in hand on their rivals, is set to be without experienced winger Joe Burgess, while Jez Litten, Jesse Sue and Sam Luckley are also nursing issues.

"I don't want to be going with players that aren't ready to do their job because it's going to be playing against a very good team and they like a physical style," said Peters, who welcomes back Oliver Gildart after he missed the win over Leigh Leopards due to a concussion. "We're going to make sure that we match that."