Cup worry for Kear

Wildcats coach worried about Cup semi-final nerves.

Last updated: 12th July 2008

kear wakefield wildcats

Kear: Cup worry

I don't know whether the problem is mental or physical but there is obviously a problem. You only have to look our last three second-half performances.

John Kear
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Wakefield coach John Kear says his players are struggling to concentrate fully on Super League business with their upcoming Challenge Cup semi-final on the horizon.

A third successive defeat for the Wildcats came with Challenge Cup opponents Hull coming from behind to win 26-18 at Belle Vue.

The loss saw them miss out on sixth place in the Super League table as their play-off chances continue to suffer.

The game also saw Wakefield waste a half-time lead for the second successive home game and Kear is a worried man due to his side's lack of form.

Kear believes that their upcoming semi-final date with Hull is playing on the minds of his players and making them struggle to put a run of form together.

"Our form is very scratchy at the moment and it's the worst possible month for it," said Kear.

"You've got to question our mental fortitude.

"The semi-final is coming up and you try not to let it affect you but I think it obviously is. That's the stark reality of the situation.

"Our standards have dropped dramatically in the last three weeks."

Standards

Kear says he is getting tired of watching the Wildcats turn in poor second half performances that is costing them valuable points.

"I'm sick of trotting out the same reasons," added Kear.

"I don't know whether the problem is mental or physical but there is obviously a problem. You only have to look our last three second-half performances."

Hull coach Richard Agar was happy to watch them complete a league double over their semi-final opponents.

The win also took Hull up to tenth place in the Super League table and all-round it was a satisfying display for Agar.

"I'm glad we dug a win out," said coach Richard Agar. "I thought it was a very energetic and gutsy effort.

"We would have made more of the possession we had in their quarter but that will improve when we get our half-backs out there.

"We had a lot of players playing out of position and that's why I'm not concerned it was an ugly win."