Phil Clarke says this side could be “a top team” in 2023

Yesterday was a bad day for Hull FC as they were ripped to pieces by their biggest rivals Hull KR.

Many focused on Hull FC’s struggles but Hull KR looked the part against their biggest rivals.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Phil Clarke suggested that the Robins could be a top team in 2023.

He said: “It has been a long time since Hull KR have been a top team in this country but over this Easter they are looking like they could be a top team again in 2023.

“They beat Leeds last week and they have been really impressive against Hull FC today.

“It is very early to say that Hull KR will get to the Grand Final but in this game they have shown they can defend, they can get in the grind and they have the skill to score tries.”

He highlighted the try Lachlan Coote scored after a lovely sweeping play left which released Ryan Hall down the flank. Clarke said of the try that it is the kind of try Champions score.

He said: “At the end of the year, when you look back at the Grand Final winners and all the tries they scored, you will see tries like this.”

The Robins face a real test of their credentials next week when they take on St Helens.