Hull and Rovers are ready to do battle again.
Hull FC and Hull KR meet again this Sunday afternoon for the 249th Hull derby – and the stakes are big. The Robins are closing in on Super League’s League Leaders Shield, while Hull FC need a win to keep their top six push alive.
But they come to Craven Park with several big players out. That, and with the Robins’ outstanding form this year, it’s advantage red and white. But you know what they say about derbies, and in particular Hull derbies…
Here, our reporters preview the clash.
Dan Tomlinson
There’s nothing like derby day in Hull when black and white meets red and white. It’s just a shame there are big names out for this one, and we don’t get the match-up that the fixture deserves. It’s not just Hull either, with Rovers also without some big guns, but it’s John Cartwright who will feel the brunt of that more this Sunday. The names out are just too many and it’s a big ask for Hull to cross the river and cause an upset. They have to win to keep their season alive, whereas Rovers are closing in on the shield, and that tells you enough. It’s hard to look past the Robins. They’ve been the best team over the course of the season and will look to tie up their next piece of silverware. They start as massive favourites and they should get the job done – although even with Hull’s depleted nature, it may not be as easy as some people think. Prediction: Rovers by 14
Josh McAllister
A Hull derby already has bragging rights on the line in a rugby league mad city. Add to that Hull KR’s hunt for a first-ever League Leaders’ Shield, and Hull FC’s race for top six, then this has even extra meaning. However, it’s hard to see beyond the injury blows in John Cartwright’s side. Their top six hopes have been hit over the last few weeks, with Wakefield now in the driving seat for the play-offs. The Robins have their own injuries, but they still have more than enough talent to put their opponents under pressure from minute one. I’m going with a big Rovers win. Prediction: Rovers by 22
Matthew Shaw
I’ve come to really admire Hull FC this year. It’s a club heading in the right direction and that has been reflected by the performances of the team. They’ve not always nailed it, but they’ve been far, far better than they have in the past and what’s been consistent has been their spirit and desire. Unfortunately for them, that won’t be enough to beat this Hull KR team, not while being without the players they are unable to call upon today. The Black and Whites have to be at their best to beat Rovers right now and without Ese’ese, Asiata, Pryce et al, that just isn’t possible. So it’s a Rovers win, and a decent one too. Prediction: Rovers by 16