The Background
The 226th Hull derby takes place at the KC Lightstream Stadium tonight – and it could turn out to be one of the most pivotal in years. Hull FC know a win will secure them a spot in the Super 8s, whilst victory for KR would mean that they keep their hopes of a top eight finish alive come the end of the regular season next week.
The Team News
The pre-match talk has largely centred around Hull KR’s half-back dilemma; still without Terry Campese, they may also lose Albert Kelly for tonight due to a knee injury. If Kelly does not make it then Chris Chester has already hinted that youngster Matty Marsh will be thrown in for just his second senior appearance. KR also have the option of handing a debut to Dane Chisholm after he signed earlier in the week – but that looks unlikely.
The Stats
Last Five 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)
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)
Leon Pryce needs one appearance to reach 500 for his career. Pryce has played 23 games for Hull FC this season, and was previously with Catalans Dragons (81 games, 2012-2014), St Helens (160 games, 2006-2011) and Bradford (206 games, 1998-2005). He has also played representative matches for Great Britain (17, 2001-2002 & 2005-2007), England (8, 1999-2001 & 2008) and Yorkshire (4, 2001-2003).
