Magic Weekend Preview: Hull FC v Hull KR

In Magic Weekend’s second local derby, Hull FC take on Hull KR with just two points seperating the teams in Super League.

Hull KR go into the game in high spirits after thrashing Wakefield 44-18 last weekend while Hull pulled off an impressive away win at Warrington. 

Hull FC head coach Peter Gentle has recalled fit again prop forward Liam Watts in just one change to his squad ahead of Saturday’s showdown. Watts could face his former club having recovered from an ankle injury sustained in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup victory against Wakefield Wildcats two weeks ago.

Luke George is available for Hull KR after the on-loan Huddersfield player agreed to extend his temporary stay with Rovers. Greg Eden wasn’t risked last weekend but is now fully fit. 

Hull FC 19-man squad: Bowden, Briscoe, Crookes, Crooks, Ellis, Green, Holdsworth, Heremaia, Horne, Houghton, Johnson, Lineham, Lynch, McDonnell, O’Meley, Pitts, Watts, Whiting, Yeaman.

Hull KR 19-man squad: Salter, Brown, Walker, George, Tuimavave, Cox, Mika, Burns, Horne, Withers, Hall, Paea, Hodgson. D, Lovegrove, Dobson, Welham, Eden, Beaumont, Hodgson. J.

Prediction: Form goes out of the window in derbies but Hull FC should win – Hull FC win.

Magic Weekend summary:

Hull FC: Won 1, Lost 5

Hull KR: Won 5, Lost 1

(Head-to-head: Hull FC 0, Hull KR 4)

Super League summary:

Hull FC won 8

Hull KR won 12 (includes win in 2010 play-offs)

Hull FC highest score: 44-18 (H, 2008) (Widest margin: 36-6, H, 2012)

Hull KR highest score: 42-6 (A, 2007) (also widest margin)