Daniel Zealey previews the Hull derby as both sides look to continue their 100% record. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
Hull FC
The Black and Whites travelled to Leeds in round one where they looked to record back to back victories at Headingley for the first time in 34 years.
Lee Radford’s side dominated from early on and had a comfortable 16-0 lead at the break. With conditions getting worse penalties extended their lead to 20-0.
Hull scored twice before the end with Ratu Naulago getting his second and Jamie Shaul rounded off the afternoon. Ash Handley scored in between the Hull tries with a consolation.
The 30-4 victory was the clubs biggest at Headingley for 36 years. Hull are in second place after round one.
Hull KR
The Robins hosted Wakefield Trinity in round one looking to avenge the defeat they received by the West Yorkshire side in pre-season.
It was a closely fought contest in the first half with the Rovers leading 10-6 at the break.
However, in the second half the Robins dominated which coincided with Wakefield losing play-maker Danny Brough.
Ben Crooks scored a second half hat-trick to go along with the try he got in the first half. The Red ran out 30-12 victors.
After round one, the Reds sit in fourth position in the Super League.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull FC
Last week Lee Radford handed debuts to the majority of the new signings, however it came at a cost. Second Rower Manu Ma’u suffered an MCL injury which means he will be out for 4-5 weeks.
Gareth Ellis also picked up an injury. He won’t feature due to ankle injury.
Mahe Fonua may feature after playing a full 80 minutes last week in the reserve side. It was the first time he’d played 80 minutes for eight months.
Masi Matongo and club captain Danny Houghton are the two players who come into Lee Radford’s 21-man squad.
If Houghton plays it will be his 350th club appearance for Hull.
Hull KR
Tony Smith makes one change from the side who beat Wakefield last Friday.
Mikey Lewis is replaced by former Black and White Dean Hadley.
Will Dagger, Kyle Trout and Matty Gee all retain their place after all featuring for the reserve side in a 26-22 win against Wakefield’s reserves.
KEY STAT
BATTLE TO WATCH
After performances in round one, a battle to watch will be with the sides’ wingers, with both Ratu Naulago and Ben Crookes impressing.
Naulago did not start last season in the Hull first team, however he started 2020 with a bang. His kick return gave him the assist for Hull’s opening try and he also crossed for two tries himself later in the contest.
The Fijian has been a real find for Hull scoring 15 tries in 23 appearances. He is dangerous due to his speed and power and as he proved last week if you allow him too much space he will exploit it. Generally he is good with catching kicks and often sides opt away from kicking to his corner. A player who could be making the dream team this season.
However, he will be face off against Ben Crookes who scored four tries in the opening weekend. The former Black and White was mainly used as a centre during his stint in West Hull scoring 31 tries in 51 appearances.
The 26-year old has a habit of scoring against his ex club scoring against them last season for Rovers and Castleford when he played for them. With his height, Crookes is strong in the air as he proved last week when he leaped above the Wakefield defence to score his fourth try of the evening.
GAME DETAILS
Date: Friday February 7th
Venue: KCOM Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45 PM
