England’s search for a coach at RLWC 2026 is set to continue after all conquering Hull KR mentor Willie Peters withdrew his interest to focus on his new job preparing the Papua New Guinea Chiefs to enter the NRL in 2028.

Peters, who last year led Hull KR to the Super League premiership, Challenge Cup glory and League Leaders Shield before disposing of NRL champions Brisbane in February’s World Club Challenge, was favourite to take over the England job.

The former South Sydney and St George Illawarra halfback confirmed his interest in coaching England but said he would no longer be pursuing the role after being appointed as the inaugural PNG Chiefs coach.

“That job is off the table now,” Peters told The Agenda Setters: Rugby League on Channel 7 and 7 Plus, who will broadcast all 51 Men's, Women's and Wheelchair matches at Rugby League World Cup 2026.

“It would have been awesome to coach England. It was something I really wanted to do, but that job needs two-to-three years attention from that coach.”

Photo: Willie Peters with Reece Walsh during the Ashes Series. @NRL Photos

Peters was an assistant to Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters in last year’s Ashes tour and helped plot a 3-0 series cleansweep that led to England coach Shaun Wane’s decision to step down in January after a review of the home team’s campaign.

The 47-year-old was widely considered to be the frontrunner for the England job, which is now a part-time role to enable a coach with a Super League or NRL club to take it on.

Leeds coach Brad Arthur had been another contender but he has been linked with the Manly job following last Friday’s axing of Anthony Seibold and the former Parramatta Eels mentor told rugbyleaguehub.com he wanted to finalise his future by June 30.

If the Rugby Football League decide to go with an English coach, St Helens mentor Paul Rowley would appear to be the favourite, although former Leeds premiership winning mentor Brian McDermott, who is currently with the Titans, also has strong support.

Former Catalans coach Steve McNamara, who moved to Australia after coaching England at RLWC2013 and has had stints with Sydney Roosters and the Warriors before moving to France, could be another option.

Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook, who guided Papua New Guinea to victory in the 2023 Pacific Bowl and took St Helens to the Super League premiership in 2019, has also been mentioned as a candidate for the England job.

Photo: Knights coach Justin Holbrook has support for the England job after enjoying success with St Helens. @SWPix

With seven members of the Test squad - AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Herbie Farnworth, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley, Morgan Knowles and Morgan Smithies – in the NRL, along with the uncapped trio of Matty Nichols, Billy Smith and Morgan Gannon, England could opt for an Australian-based coach.

George Williams (Warrington), Owen Trout (Leigh), Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzki and James McDonnell (all Leeds) are also set to join NRL clubs after the World Cup – the latter three moving to Perth, which will host England’s first two matches against Tonga on October 17 and France on October 24.

England then face Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium on October 31 and must win at least two of their three pool matches to get out of the group stages of the tournament.

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.