HULL KR have appointed Nathan Cayless as their new head coach on a three-year deal from 2027.
A former New Zealand international, Cayless enjoyed a lengthy career as a one-club man in the NRL with Parramata Eels.
Between 1997 and 2010, Cayless, who is the older brother of former St Helens forward Jason, registered over 300 appearances for the Eels, captaining the club to the 2009 NRL Grand Final.
After hanging up his boots at the end of the 2010 season, the 48-year-old turned to coaching with Cayless taking up the number one role at the Wentworthville Magpies’ New South Wales Cup team in 2017 and 2018.
Assistant coaching roles at Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers followed before Cayless returned to the Eels to head up their New South Wales Cup side.
Upon becoming the new Hull KR head coach, Cayless said: “Hull KR is the right coaching opportunity for me and I am grateful.
“I’ve been coaching Rugby League within NRL systems since 2014, starting in pathways and development, moving through to Head Coach of NSW Cup, NRL assistant coach roles and as an international assistant coach with the New Zealand Kiwis.
“My rugby league coaching philosophy aligns with the hardworking, successful culture that exists at Hull KR.
“When CEO Paul Lakin and I first spoke, we connected immediately via our alignment on the vision and philosophies required to produce sustained success on and off the field.
“The club’s clarity in sharing the journey to where it is today was integral to my understanding of the professionalism, structure, and strong leadership within the club.”
Hull KR Chief Executive, Paul Lakin said: “This is the culmination of a comprehensive three-month process in which we have engaged with over 15 coaches worldwide.
“Nathan meets our desired profile and attributes exactly, and we are delighted to have secured his services.
“He is a born leader who has been an assistant for eight years across four NRL clubs, head coach at both NSW Cup and U20 levels, and is now assistant to Stacey Jones for New Zealand heading into the World Cup.
“He understands the culture of our club, how we compete as a team, and how we represent our community.
“In short Nathan just ‘gets it and us’, our ambitions, personality, and the trajectory we are on.
“We believe he has all the outstanding attributes necessary to continue the fantastic work and achievements of Willie Peters as he becomes our head coach from 2027 onwards.
“Our focus now, remains fully on this season, we have so much we all want to achieve together in 2026.”