Hull KR have been told they cannot brush their Vegas performance ‘under the carpet’.
Hull KR were dominated by Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas.
Former England international Paul Cooke has delivered a brutal verdict on Hull KR’s chaotic fortnight – culminating in a 58-6 thrashing by Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas.
Head coach Willie Peters branded the Sin City defeat the worst performance of his tenure after Rovers were torn apart, conceding 10 tries as Leeds ran riot at Allegiant Stadium.
The horror result came just nine days after Hull KR’s emotionally-charged World Club Challenge triumph over Brisbane Broncos – with Vegas proving a step too far for the reigning Super League champions. But Peters refused to hide behind excuses after watching his side crumble on the big stage.
Speaking on All Out Rugby League ’s Back Ten, Cooke didn’t hold back.
“I always thought it would be difficult for Hull KR to go over there and win,” he said. “I expected Leeds to win – just not by that many.
“Some of what we witnessed was probably the worst performance I’ve seen from a Hull KR team under Willie Peters. They got beat up in every area. Listening to Willie after the game, he was absolutely furious. They just didn’t turn up.”
Despite the Vegas nightmare, Cooke insists Rovers’ season is far from over – just weeks into their title-defending campaign.
“I do believe they’ll still be up there. There’s no question about the quality in their squad,” he added.
But he warned the players that they cannot simply move on from the performance – and even suggested forcing the squad to relive the full 80-minutes. The Robins aim to quickly bounce back at Huddersfield Giants on Sunday, still searching for their first Super League points of the season.
“Off the back of the World Club Challenge, you can forgive it – but it won’t be forgotten by the people inside the bubble – players and staff,” Cooke said.
“You can’t just brush that under the carpet. Some serious questions have to be asked.
“I’d be tempted to make them sit down, watch the full game and be embarrassed by their actions. That happened to me once in my career under John Kear.
“What we said three or four weeks ago about that bullseye being on their chest – if you want a reminder of that, then that’s it.”