The Hull KR star has opened up on the Vegas dressing room and what’s next from his team ahead of facing Huddersfield Giants.
Hull KR are aiming to right their wrongs this week following their heavy Las Vegas defeat.
James Batchelor says Hull KR are determined to right their wrongs after admitting the Robins were left “embarrassed” by their Las Vegas humiliation.
Rovers – who currently have all four major trophies on display at Sewell Group Craven Park – were thrashed 58-6 by Leeds Rhinos in Sin City, the opening contest of rugby league’s triple header in the United States.
The defeat concluded a chaotic start to the season for Willie Peters’ side, following an opening Super League loss to newcomers York Knights and the emotionally-charged World Club Challenge victory over Brisbane Broncos.
Influential back-rower Batchelor did not hide from the recent performance.
“We were pretty embarrassed with what we dished up,” he said.
“It wasn’t what the fans should expect or deserve, especially with them travelling all that way. We were embarrassed by it, but we’ve dealt with it now and it’s time to move on.”
Batchelor admitted the coaching staff were right to be furious after the display, with head coach Willie Peters labelling it the worst performance under his tenure. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos ran riot, crossing for 10 tries – including four from powerhouse winger Maika Sivo.
“The coaches were right to feel how they did – I think a bit angry at us,” he added.
“We deserved that because what we dished up wasn’t a good reflection of the club, the badge, the supporters or the staff who prepare us all week.
“That’s on us personally. The coaches are a great group and they always look at themselves before they look at us. But ultimately we put that performance out there and it had nothing to do with them. They were pretty disappointed in us – and rightly so.”
Head coach Peters has challenged his side to respond when they face Huddersfield Giants on Sunday at the Accu Stadium, with Hull KR still searching for their first Super League points of the new season.
The Giants are also winless to start their new campaign, while Batchelor insists the Hull KR players have confronted their mistakes – and are determined to make amends.
“What’s happened has happened,” said the 27-year-old.
“We’re not going to ignore it and it’s not going to get swept under the rug. There’s a lot we need to be better at and a lot we need to learn from.
“It’s an opportunity for us now to say: ‘Right, we’ve dealt with that, we’ve addressed it and we’re going to focus on improving.’
“We need to nail every session, nail the team run, nail the game – then move on to the next week and do the same again.
“It’s about building it day by day.”