Hull KR's unwanted streak extends as persisting issue rears its head again
Hull KR have cemented themselves as one of Super League's top teams so far this season. But there is one persisting issue they are unable to overcome. Defeat to Warrington Wolves on Thursday extended an unwanted streak that continues to frustrate all those involved, one that they ultimately need to fix up sooner rather than later.
Defeat to the Wire was Hull KR's eleventh consecutive defeat outside of Yorkshire, a run that is well over 12 months old. The last time Rovers won beyond the borders of their home county was the first time they went on the road with Willie Peters in charge, when they defeated Salford Red Devils in February 2023.
Since then, a win beyond the east end of the M62 has eluded them, and what's most concerning is that the margins of defeat have been quite comprehensive, too. In this eleven-game sequence, Rovers have lost by ten points or more in nine of those matches and by 30 or more on five occasions.
There's nothing to be ashamed of when losing in Perpignan, where three of those reverses have been held; the same applies to Wigan too. One of those losses was, of course, at Wembley, and it's an achievement in itself to get there. But whether the streak is a coincidence or not, it is at the very least irritating, if not concerning.
The Robins have tried to overcome it in various ways, amending their schedule when heading to France and even having overnight stays before other games further afield. But it has been to no avail so far. Ultimately, they do need to find a way to correct it because if Rovers want to end their silverware drought, they will have to win somewhere beyond Yorkshire. A Challenge Cup Final appearance would take them to Wembley again, while a maiden Grand Final bow would see them play in Manchester at Old Trafford.
It is hard to determine whether the sequence is a deep-rooted issue or a simple anomaly that sport throws up from time to time. But the Rovers side on show on Thursday, certainly in the first 25 minutes, was night and day from the one that defeated Wigan Warriors and St Helens back-to-back at Craven Park. Their worst performance of the season was undoubtedly in France, but it's fair to argue that their most disappointing performance beyond that was at Salford, where they lost in round three.
Regardless, a team as good as Hull KR shouldn't have a negative streak like that attached to them. You would like to hope that it comes to an end later this month, when the Robins travel to the capital to face winless Super League counterparts, London Broncos. But while a win would break the streak, there are still some questions they need to answer when it comes to wins on the road.
There is some good news, though - next week's semi-final is in Doncaster.