Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has blasted his team’s performance after they were dismantled by a brilliant Wakefield Trinity side, in what is only their fifth defeat of the season.
Whilst being kept scoreless in the first half, the Robins flogged 26 points in the opening 40, the most they have done all season.
Arthur Mourgue looked to start a fight back as he crossed minutes into the second half, but their lack of attacking threat cancelled any sort of miracle comeback. Oliver Gildart also crossed for a try as he marked his return with a four-pointer.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the 28-12 defeat, the Australian was left fuming with the efforts of his players, and how they were so easily dominated.
He said: “We’re going to have to look at it. The first half was terrible. Absolutely terrible. I don’t know what to say about it really. The second half, it’s easier to be able to go out and play a little bit more when you’re down by 26, but we didn’t want to do that because our attack weren’t asking any questions.
“We weren’t winning field position, they beat us in every area. It wasn’t as if we didn’t know that Wakefield team was going to turn up. We need to have a good look at ourselves that’s for sure.
Asked whether he thought his side’s attack or defence was the problem, he couldn’t say one or the other, admitting they were both equally as bad.
“Everything.” said Peters. “I thought overall it just wasn’t us, well it was us because that’s what we dished up, so I need to have a good look at everything, that’s for sure.
“We’ve got a short turnaround, but it was everything, we just lacked any intent and want in every area and we had a lot to play for.
Race for the League Leaders Shield continues after Hull KR defeat
A victory over Daryl Powell‘s men was all they needed to ensure they lifted the League Leaders Shield for the first time in the modern era. However, the result means that the race for top spot will go down to the final day, with Wigan Warriors still in with a chance of taking the title.
The Rovers have a two-point gap and 31 better points difference than the Warriors, meaning a win over Warrington next week would clinch it. However, should they suffer another shock defeat, albeit Warrington winning would be a near miracle, a Wigan win would put them level on points with points difference coming into play.
Coming up with a performance like that at such a crucial time of the season could prove pivotal, and if they don’t bounce back against the Wolves, it would lead them into the playoffs with no momentum and could derail their successful season.
Asked how worried he is about tonight’s result, he said: “It’s concerning right now, because when you dish that up… you’re only as good as your last game, so we need to look at ourselves. We’ve got a five-day turnaround. We certainly won’t be hanging on to it for too long. We’ve been consistent over the year but we certainly didn’t perform today.
Peters was asked whether team selection could factor into next week’s match. He said: “We’ll have a look at selection, but look, we don’t deserve to win the league leaders if we’re going to play like that next week. There’s no surprise seeing Wigan play the way they did last night and they’ll do that again next week. So we’ve just got to worry about us, but if we play like that, we’re not going to beat Warrington, simple as that.”
