Hull KR Secures New Leadership
Hull Kingston Rovers, the current Super League champions, have confirmed Nathan Cayless as their new head coach. The 48-year-old New Zealander will join the club on a three-year contract, commencing at the start of the next season. Cayless is set to replace Willie Peters, who previously declared his departure at the end of the 2026 season to take on a role with the new National Rugby League team, the Papua New Guinea Chiefs.
Cayless's Coaching and Playing Background
Cayless currently serves as the coach for the Parramatta Eels' New South Wales Cup team and also holds an assistant coaching position with the New Zealand national side. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Cayless stated on the club's website that his coaching philosophy aligns with Hull KR's established culture of hard work and success. He noted an immediate connection with Chief Executive Paul Lakin regarding their shared vision for achieving sustained success both on and off the field.
During his playing career, Cayless spent his entire professional tenure with the Parramatta Eels, making 259 appearances between 1998 and 2010. He holds the club record for captaining the Eels 221 times. Furthermore, Cayless famously captained New Zealand to victory in the 2008 World Cup final against Australia.
Praise from Parramatta Eels
"Nathan has been an outstanding servant of the Parramatta Eels and we are incredibly proud to see him earn this head coaching opportunity," stated Jim Sarantinos, Chief Executive of the Eels. "His work with our program has been invaluable, particularly in developing young players and preparing them for NRL football."