Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has expressed disappointment at his side’s ‘really, really poor performance’ in the defeat to Wakefield Trinity.
The Robins lost at Craven Park for the first time since Leeds’ win over them last summer but unlike that game, the 20-6 loss to Wakefield saw Hull KR simply fail to turn up.
All six of their points came from penalties with Peters admitting that it was a ‘big worry’ that his side failed to score a try, however, he was mainly focused on the overall performance and how far off the pace his side looked.
“Very disappointed, very,” he gave as his initial verdict when speaking post-match to BBC Radio Humberside.
“It’s something we need to look at. Players need to be accountable, I need to be accountable, staff need to be accountable because that scoreline might have said 20-6 but I’m not bothered about the scoreboard, I’m bothered about performance and that was a really, really poor performance.”
Magic Weekend fallout, Leeds Rhinos’ latest signing, Super League’s game of the season – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Hull KR boss gives honest verdict to players after poor performance
Despite his side being level 6-6 at half time, Peters admitted that it was ‘fair’ to say Hull KR never looked like winning and he put that down to their ill discipline.
He said: “We were on the back foot the whole time but it was our doing. We came up with errors, ill discipline, yellow cards, penalties with the ball three times. It hurts.”
He also lamented the dissent penalties, of which Hull KR were hit with three and Wakefield one, something he condoned but ultimately said was irrelevant as the poor performance was of greater concern.
Peters explained: “I need to find out exactly what was said. Obviously you can’t do that but on the other hand I don’t think I’ve seen four penalties for dissent. The referees’ decisions are not my concern, it’s more that I’ve got to worry about my team and improve on that performance.”
As for what sort of reaction he wants, Peters said he will sleep on the loss but added: “I’ve just let them know where I think we’re at and I’ve been honest with them. We’ve had a few performances like that and that’s the concerning part for me.
“Credit to Wakefield, I thought they played really well. They played simple but effective. They didn’t have their main half-back so they moved some people around and showed that you can still win when you have adversity against you.”
He also offered an explanation for why Arthur Mourgue did not play despite being named in the 21-man squad for the first time since his pec injury.
“It was a confidence thing for him. He needs to be ready to go, so hopefully that will be next week.”
