Sky pundits’ “cruel” assessment of Super League after loss

Hull FC were torn apart by Hull KR yesterday in the derby as they lost 40-0 at home.

After the game, Barrie McDermott conceded that he couldn’t not be “cruel” in his assessment of the Black and Whites.

He went on to say they were a shambles.

He said: “It is hard not to be cruel here, but they were a shambles.

“It was hard to begin with, they had players missing and then they lost Jake Clifford. I felt for him but it was woeful from Hull FC.”

Meanwhile, former Hull FC player Martin Gleeson didn’t hold back either as he said the Black and Whites weren’t prepared to defend.

He said:

“Hull FC weren’t prepared to get their shoulders in. The second half the ruck got quicker and they got torn apart.

“Tony Smith isn’t known for his defence but he has to improve that if they want to get out of trouble.

“Forget about offence for a minute, they need to fix defence.”

This came as Hull KR’s star Jordan Abdull paid tribute to his forwards in their demolition

“I want to give huge wraps to our middles, keeping a quality team to nil takes a special effort.”

He also addressed the club’s chances of Grand Final glory:

“We will see it at the end of the season, we have shown that we can compete. A big difference is having your first choice 17 available.

“It makes a huge difference having them available. It was the first time today since Round One.

“We can be there or there abouts at the end of the season if we can keep them fit.”