HULL FC supporters may feel that they were overshadowed by their city rivals in 2025.
While the Robins won the treble in an extraordinary year, Hull FC had to settle for a seventh-place Super League finish.
The rise of the men from the east, who finished last of 11 clubs in 2020, has coincided with a slide for the west Hull club, who haven’t reached the play-offs since that same season.
While an improved first campaign under coach John Cartwright gives them hope of ending that barren spell next year, they remain some way off the standards being set at Sewell Group Craven Park.
The joy experienced by Rovers stirred mixed emotions for Davy Litten, the Hull FC centre who is the cousin of Jez Litten and best pals with Mikey Lewis, two of the key figures in Hull KR’s trophy success.
“I’m a sore loser, so it’s not great watching it,” said the younger Litten.
“As much as I’m proud of Mikey and Jez, I hate seeing that club doing as well as they’re doing. But to be fair to them, they are doing great.
“They’re probably the people to follow – everyone is chasing them.
“Hopefully we can get past them next year, but fair play to them for what they’ve built in the last few years.
“They’ve deserved their success with all the hard work they’ve put in.”
The same can be said of Jez Litten, who finished the year as England’s starting hooker in the final two Ashes Tests.
“He’s one of my idols in this game,” added Davy, who enjoyed his best Hull season to date with 23 appearances in 2025.
“Seeing him on that stage, I feel like his name should have been spoken about a few years ago.
“He’s done great this year, and even if it’s the wrong team to be doing it for, I’m proud of him regardless.”