WILLIE PETERS reckons he has found a coaching soul-mate in Ian Watson, who has returned to Super League as an assistant coach at Hull KR.

Watson has signed a two-year deal with the Robins, replacing London Broncos-bound Danny Ward as Peters’ right-hand man.

He spent almost a decade as a top-flight head coach with first Salford Red Devils and then Huddersfield Giants.

Salford reached the 2019 Grand Final and 2020 Challenge Cup final under his five-year stewardship, before Watson moved to Huddersfield at the end of the latter season.

He took the Giants to the 2022 Challenge Cup showpiece but left the club in July 2024 after a poor run of form.

Watson most recently held an assistant coaching role with American rugby union side Seattle Seahawks in their 2024-25 Major League Rugby season.

Peters, who also has former Rovers players Dave Hodgson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall on his coaching staff, believes there are plenty of shared values that make Watson an ideal choice to join the treble winners.

“I admired how Ian coached Huddersfield as they were always a difficult team to break down and beat,” he explained.

“They never lost on effort and competing, which are two values we hold in high regard at Hull KR.

“Ian is obsessed with coaching and loves the game and they’re areas that will no doubt help our players reach their full potential.”

Watson said: “I’m honoured and excited to be joining a great club like Hull KR with great staff, players and supporters at its core with a champion attitude.

“It is an environment and an opportunity I can’t wait to be a part of.”