SL Preview: Hull KR v Hull FC
The ‘biggest Hull derby for years’ is how this game has been described in the media all week, and that’s certainly not far away from the truth.
Both teams need a win to boost their chances of a top-eight finish, with Rovers probably the more desperate of the two.
The Robins do have a Challenge Cup semi-final to look forward to, however, with Hull left only with the league as a possible source of glory.
A win for the Airlie Birds should see them secure their place in the Super Eights.
Rovers coach Chris Chester makes three changes to the team which capitulated so embarrassingly in the second half at Salford, with Tony Puletua, Geg Burke and young half-back Matty Marsh coming into the squad.
Mark Minichiello and Gareth Ellis are back for Lee Radford‘s Hull FC, having recovered from an ankle and back problem respectively.
Hull KR (19-man squad): Blair, Burke, Cockayne, Dixon, Donaldson, Green, Horne, Kelly, Larroyer, Lunt, McCarthy, Mantellato, Marsh, Puletua, Salter, Sio, Tilse, Walker, Welham.
Hull FC (19-ma squad): Abdull, Bowden, Ellis, Fash, Green, Hadley, Houghton, Lineham, Logan, Michaels, Minichiello, Pryce, Rankin, Sneyd, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Whiting.
Stats:
Marc Sneyd needs one appearance to reach 100 for his career. Sneyd has played 18 games for Hull FC this season, to go with appearances for Castleford (31, 2014) and Salford (50, 2010-2013).
Kirk Yeaman needs one try to draw level with Ade Gardner (153 tries) in eighth place in the list of all-time leading try-scorers.
Hull Kingston Rovers’ Albert Kelly has scored tries in his team’s last four games (1-1-1-2).
Super League Summary:
Hull KR won 15 (includes win in 2010 play-offs)
Hull FC won 12
Hull KR highest score: 42-6 (A, 2007) (also widest margin)
Hull FC highest score: 46-20 (MW, 2015) (Widest margin: 36-6, H, 2012
Last 10 Meetings:
Hull FC 46, Hull KR 20 (SLR16, 30/5/15) (at St James’ Park, Newcastle)
Hull FC 6, Hull KR 20 (SLR8, 2/4/15)
Hull FC 28, Hull KR 0 (SLR25, 29/8/14)
Hull FC 24, Hull KR 38 (SLR13, 17/5/14) (at Etihad Stadium, Manchester)
Hull KR 21, Hull FC 20 (SLR9, 17/4/14)
Hull KR 20, Hull FC 38 (SLR24, 11/8/13)
Hull FC 22, Hull KR 16 (SLR16, 25/5/13) (at Etihad Stadium, Manchester)
Hull FC 10, Hull KR 23 (SLR9, 29/3/13)
Hull KR 18, Hull FC 32 (SLR21, 23/7/12)
Hull FC 30, Hull KR 32 (SLR15, 26/5/12) (at Etihad Stadium, Manchester)