Derby can make our season, says Hull owner

Hull owner Adam Pearson hopes a victory over fierce rivals Hull KR in Friday’s derby can help change their fortunes in Super League this season.

The Airlie Birds have been one of the most disappointing stories of 2013, stuttering to just two wins and two draws in their first eight games, having recruited heavily in the close season.

One of their star signings, England international Gareth Ellis, is yet to pull on the black and white in a competitive fixture, and will be on the sidelines for the first derby of the season at KC Stadium on Friday (2.45pm kick-off). You can bet on kentucky derby, but we are sure this derby will be a lot more exciting!

Pearson said: “We’ve seen it before, the Easter period and particularly the derby can really make your season.

“It’s fair to say both sides have been patchy so far this year which makes for a fierce contest on Friday which will be good for the game.

“We want the two points and we want the bragging rights and one thing that is for sure is so do the fans.

“I think this fixture is the most eagerly anticipated match on the rugby league calendar, not just for fans of Hull FC or Hull KR, but supporters of other clubs too.

“It’s the only true derby and never fails as a spectacle. This year it has been branded alongside the Rugby League of the Extraordinary and we are in no doubt it will be another classic fixture.

“We want to showcase that this is the big one and prove to everyone why this is the best derby in the sport.”

Hull won two of the three derbies last season, losing in a thriller at the Magic Weekend.

The last five derbies have followed a W-L-W-L-W pattern, which points to a Hull KR victory if that sequence is to be continued.

Since Hull KR were promoted to Super League ahead of the 2007 season, the Airlie Birds have won eight derbies, compared to Rovers’ 11.