The first Hull derby of the season kicks off both teams’ 2019 season. Here’s everything you need to know…
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull KR
The Red Robins have been in decent form over their previous two friendlies against Widnes Vikings and Toronto Wolfpack.
Although both of these opponents were competing in the last ever Super 8s last year, the Black and Whites will be their most challenging opponent…yet.
Hull FC
The Black and Whites haven’t had the best of starts prior to this year’s campaign.
Although comfortably beating League One outfit Doncaster Rovers, they suffered defeats to Wakefield Trinity and St Helens by narrow margins.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull Kingston Rovers
After suffering injury against FC last year in pre-season, Danny Addy is set to make his first Super League appearance for the Robins this Friday.
Whilst newbies, Hauraki, Linnett, Drinkwater, Keinhorst and Garbutt had fantastic performances in the practise games, all five have earned a call up.
After earning the captaincy votes from his fellow team mates, Joel Tomkins will lead the team out of the tunnel in 2 days-time to begin what is hoped to be a successful tenure as captain.
Hull Kingston Rovers’ 19-man squad:ย
2. Craig Hall, 3. Ben Crooks, 4. Jimmy Keinhorst, 5. Ryan Shaw, 7. Danny McGuire, 8. Robbie Mulhern, 10. Mose Masoe, 11. Joel Tomkins, 12. James Greenwood, 13. Weller Hauraki, 14. Mitch Garbutt, 15. Tommy Lee, 17. Chris Atkin, 19. Junior Vaivai, 20. Danny Addy, 21. George Lawler, 23. Kane Linnett, 24. Josh Drinkwater, 26. Will Dagger.
Hull FC
Two-time Lance Todd Trophy winner Marc Sneyd could feature in Super League for the first time since July after recovering from a knee injury.
Jordan Thompson is in line to make his first Super League appearance for Hull FC since returning to the club for a second spell, whilst fellow 2019 recruit Matty Dawson-Jones could also make his competitive debut for the Black & Whites.
However, the injury hit Airlie Birds will be without eight senior players for the trip across the city into East Hull. Missing the likes of Jake Connor and Albert Kelly.
Hull FC’s 19-man squad:ย
1. Jamie Shaul, 2. Bureta Faraimo, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 4. Josh Griffin, 6. Marc Sneyd, 8. Scott Taylor, 9. Danny Houghton, 11. Dean Hadley, 12. Mark Minichello, 16. Jordan Thompson, 17. Matty Dawson-Jones, 19. Masi Matongo, 20. Brad Fash, 21. Sika Manu, 22. Jordan Lane, 23. Mickey Paea, 25. Danny Langtree, 28. Jez Litten, 30. Danny Washbrook.
HEAD TO HEAD
Craig Hall scored twice on his second debut as Hull FC suffered a rare derby defeat to Hull KR, losing 20-16 at the KCOM Stadium. It was the first time they lost a derby match in four years.
KEY BATTLE
Captains Joel Tomkins and Danny Houghton will be looking to the pair that can make the most impact to their respective and that comes down to their skills in leadership.
Since being nominated as skipper for the Red Robins, Tomkins will look to overcome the problems he caused in the past and help his side beat their neighbours.
Whereas Houghton will be looking to the voice of leadership, carrying the Black and Whites out of their poor run of form that has lasted for months. A win against their local rivals will certainly give Danny’s side a boost in confidence.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date:ย Friday 1st February
Venue:ย KCOM Craven Park
Kick-off:ย 7:45pm
Referee:ย Ben Thaler
WHO WILL WIN?
Although the past few years have been Hull FC’s, Iย believe the toll in injuries and poor run of form will put them against the odds. I’m betting on a Hull KR win.
