The two glaring Hull KR issues exposed by stats that paint worrying attacking picture

As we approach the halfway stage of the season one of the more worrying statistics surrounding Hull KR's season so far is the number of tries they have scored.

With 40 tries in 13 games, Rovers are averaging just over three scores per game, which leaves them ninth in the competition. They are 18 behind leaders Wigan and only seven above Leeds Rhinos, who have scored the fewest tries with 33.

By comparison, Tony Smith's side ended 2021 as the fourth-highest try scorers, racing in for 90 tries at an average of 4.5 per game. Clearly, something is amiss.

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What makes those stats more concerning are the figures that further revolve around Rovers' season so far. They are second for the number of carries made across the season, and only St Helens have been forced to make fewer tackles than them, which suggests the Robins have had plenty of possession.

Even on the surface of it, the quality of their possession looks good too. No side has made more dummy runs than Rovers, and they are second for the number of offloads made and fourth for tackle busts, which are classed as an attacker breaking out of a tackle without going through the defensive line. Even clean breaks, which are self-explanatory, Rovers are seventh, so they aren't particularly falling short.

It ultimately points to one thing; Rovers are not doing well enough when they are in good-ball positions. Further, it suggests that when Rovers are near an opponent's try-line, they are not doing a good enough job of breaking it to score.

We've seen this play out on a number of occasions, too. The defeat to Leeds was a particularly alarming one in which Rovers created opportunities but