Rugby League Struggles Down the Right-Edge for Hull KR
While disappointments are rare for Hull KR fans these days, the team’s recent defeat to Warrington Wolves on Thursday night highlighted a recurring issue – the ongoing defensive problems on the right side of the field.
As the statistics show, Hull KR have conceded nearly twice as many tries down their right-edge this season compared to the left. This vulnerability has allowed opposing teams, like Warrington, to exploit and capitalize on it.
Despite being legitimate trophy contenders, Hull KR’s right-side defensive structure is clearly dysfunctional. The lack of cohesion and communication within that part of the team is creating significant gaps that skilled attackers, such as George Williams and Jack Welsby, can easily expose.
Warrington’s game plan on Thursday proved effective, as they targeted Hull KR’s right-edge repeatedly. The presence of Williams at the heart of Warrington’s attacks often caused chaos and uncertainty in the Robins’ defensive line on that side of the field.
Individual errors, such as Peta Hiku and Joe Burgess biting and shooting out of the line, compounded the problem. This trend was also evident in Hull KR’s victory over St Helens the previous week, with Jack Welsby scoring a try that exposed the right-side vulnerability.
While Hull KR’s overall performance this season has been impressive, head coach Willie Peters acknowledges the need to address the issues on the right-edge. If the team can resolve this defensive concern, their prospects of achieving success in at least one competition this year will significantly improve.
The challenge for Hull KR is to ensure their defensive structure on the right-side is more cohesive and disciplined, allowing them to nullify the attacking threats of opponents. With the right adjustments, the Robins can continue their push as legitimate trophy contenders in the 2023 rugby league season.
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