Willie Peters makes admission over Hull KR's Super League standing ahead of derby date with Hull FC
Willie Peters concedes Hull KR have work to do to close the gap to the "top echelon of teams".
Rovers sit sixth in Super League ahead of Saturday's Magic Weekend derby against Hull FC, a far cry from last season when they swept the board.
With a mounting injury crisis depleting KR's pack, Peters has called on the reigning champions to demonstrate their resilience.
"I know that we're not in the top echelon of teams at the moment," said the Robins boss, who will be without Dean Hadley, Tom Amone, Sam Luckley and Tevita Pangai Jr at Everton. "Leeds are proving that and Wigan are playing well.
"We've got some chasing to do. When you are chasing, you need to be hungry.
"We've got some work to do to be able to get to where we want to go. I know the team we've got but I also know where we are at the moment.
"It tests your character. If you get through these periods, you get a lot of belief from it. This is the time when you need to pull together and get through it together."
Rovers have dominated the derby under Peters, winning eight of the nine meetings. However, Peters has not forgotten the Craven Park defeat to Hull in his first season.
"We've had one loss in my time here and it's probably the worst defeat that I've had," he said. "We've had some defeats in big games but you don't want to ever lose a derby.
"The motivation is there this week. Our whole philosophy and aim is to make our community proud. There's no better game to do that than this weekend."
Hull are looking to rediscover momentum while ending their derby hoodoo against their city rivals.
The Black and Whites appeared to have turned a corner under John Cartwright but this year has been another season of struggle.
Interim boss Andy Last is hoping to build on a gutsy performance in defeat against Wigan Warriors.
"We did a good job last week and will need to do a strong job this week," he said.
"Hull KR have been consistent for a number of years and will bounce back with a strong performance. We're expecting the best of Hull KR.
"It's set up for a mouthwatering contest between two teams desperate for two points."