Hull KR has officially appointed former New Zealand international Nathan Cayless as their new head coach on a three-year contract. The deal secures Cayless through the end of the 2029 Betfred Super League season and establishes the club’s long-term leadership plan.
The move was necessitated by current head coach Willie Peters’ decision to leave the club at the end of the current season. Peters will return to Australia to take charge of the newly formed Papua New Guinea Chiefs NRL franchise ahead of their 2028 induction. The transition timeline was formalized in an official Super League confirmation detailing the contract length and 2027 start date.
To accept the role, Cayless is stepping down from his position as the New South Wales Cup Head Coach for the Parramatta Eels. He holds deep historical ties to the club, having played his entire 259-game NRL career there and serving as their longest-tenured captain. That legacy was emphasized in a verified Parramatta departure announcement published today. Cayless also captained New Zealand to their 2008 Rugby League World Cup victory.
The appointment wraps up a rigorous recruitment process led by the Hull KR front office. Management held discussions with over 15 coaches worldwide over a three-month span before Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin finalized the deal, according to a detailed report by Love Rugby League.