Third successive loss means KR are at a season’s crossroads
TALKING POINTS: CASTLEFORD VS THE ROBINS
Hull KR were kept scoreless in Super League for the second game in a row, going down 32-0 to Castleford at the Mend-a-hose Jungle.
Here’s a look at some of the main talking points after Hull KR’S third successive defeat, with the club at a real crossroads at the halfway stage of their 2022 campaign.
Forwards
Compared to other Super League clubs, KR are particularly small down the middle, which now is a part of Rovers’ game that is being exposed more times than not.
Apart from the usual consistent performances from George King and Matty Storton, the Robins are weak in the front row and lack the guile to dominate their opposition pack.
The argument that the club haven’t invested in a solid forward group has been going on for several years now, and it’s pretty clear to see where incoming head coach Willie Peters needs to recruit heavily for 2023 and beyond.
Manner of defeats
Sometimes, you come up second best against a stronger side in any sport.
Still, in all honesty, Rovers haven’t looked like troubling their opposition over the past three weeks, with a lack of intent in attack and some questionable efforts in defence occurring on several occasions.
During their recent defeats, the Robins’ kicking game and last tackle plays have become non-existent, with the team lacking the execution to trouble their opponents’ defence.
Tony Smith saga
When Tony Smith shocked the rugby league world with his sudden announcement of his departure last month, talk started immediately about whether it would derail KR’S season.
Unfortunately, if the past three weeks are anything to go by, the assumption looks to be coming to fruition.
The Rovers coach was quick to shut down the talking point during his post-match press conference, but it’s clear that his KR side has lost its flair and identity during the defeats to Leeds, Huddersfield and Castleford.