Hull KR can prove they're more than hype as Catalans cauldron offers opportunity

The acid test has arrived for Hull KR. During the stretch of the season that has elapsed so far, the Robins have proven that they remain a prime candidate for a top-six finish. A record of five wins from seven games, coupled with progression to the Challenge Cup semi-final, is a pretty good indicator of that.

But let's be clear here, that's all Rovers have done so far. While they been excellent in some of their games and been impressive for the majority, they have ultimately got to do it against one of the top teams in the competition this year.

The Super League table is beginning to take shape but at this point, the Robins have yet to beat a side in the top five. The one occasion they took on one of those sides, Warrington Wovles, they lost. Admittedly, the Robins should have won that game, but the cold truth is that they still have to prove their credentials against the elite.

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That's not something that will faze the Robins and what an opportunity the next five games are, taking on all four of those sides in the top five with them, Wigan Warriors twice, in what will be the best indication yet of where they currently stand.

Seeing how they fare will be fascinating. The evidence so far suggests they're at that level - they've scored more points and conceded less than Saturday's opponents so far this season, but until you see it play out, you just don't know.

It would be easy, lazy even, to say that this is a defining period in Hull KR's season. It isn't. Only the Challenge Cup semi-final is a make-or-break game. But picking up some victories against the big hitters would issue a statement and it would certainly instil faith and belief around Craven Park as the season goes on.

Going to Catalans is tough. Rovers have lost their last seven outings there and everyone knows how notoriously difficult it is to win there. But at a time when Rovers fans have more confidence in their side than ever before, a win here could deliver a lift-off that will be hard for others to stop.