The second Hull derby of the season takes place on Saturday at Magic Weekend, with the Robins looking to make it a double by backing up their 21-20 win against the Black and Whites from earlier this year.
However, they will be looking to avenge that controversial defeat at Magic last year, when Chris Green scored a dramatically late – not to mention controversial – try to snatch the points for the team from West Hull.
Despite a dismal run of form, FC boss Le Radford has made only two changes to his 19-man squad, with Jordan Rankin and Dean Hadley providing a much-needed boost by returning to the squad. They come in for Josh Bowden and Ben Crooks.
As for Hull KR, Craig Sandercock makes just one switch to his squad, with prop Jonny Walker coming in for recent new recruit Wayne Ulugia, who has been left out for the 222nd derby meeting.
The Squads
Hull FC: Carvell, Colbon, Crookes, Ellis, Hadley, Heremaia, Horne, Houghton, Miller, Paea, Paleaaesina, Rankin, Shaul, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman.
Hull Kingston Rovers: Burns, Cockayne, Costigan, Cox, Gardner, Green, Hall, D Hodgson, J Hodgson, Horne, Keating, Langley, Larroyer, Lovegrove, Netherton, Salter, Walker, Welham, Weyman.
The Stats
Magic Weekend summary: Hull FC: Won 2, Lost 5; Hull KR: Won 5, Lost 2.
Craig Hall needs one appearance to reach 150 for his career. Hall has played 69 games for Hull KR since 2011, and was previously with Hull FC – where he made 75 appearances (2007-2010). He also had a loan spell with Widnes (5 games, 2009).
Chris Tuson needs one appearance to reach 100 for his career. Tuson has played 7 games in his first season for Hull FC, and was previously with Wigan – where he made 83 appearances (2008 & 2010-2013). He also played loan games for Blackpool (1) and Castleford (8) in 2010.
Ade Gardner needs three tries for 150 in his career, having scored 146 for St Helens and just one for Hull KR in his first season with the club.
The Prediction
Hull derbies are incredibly tricky to predict – as the clash earlier in the season proved – but Hull KR should be able to channel their frustrations from last year’s controversy and get a win over their city rivals.
Don’t forget to check out our exclusive Magic Weekend content, including League Express editor Martyn Sadler’s views on the state of play with Magic Weekend, and our look at the best moments in the history of the event.
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