The Hull Derby clash between Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers is scheduled to take place at the MKM Stadium. The match is part of the Super League competition.
Andy Last, Hull FC‘s Interim Head Coach, has discussed the significance of the upcoming game for the club, the team, and their supporters. He highlighted the importance of the match, stating that the players are fully aware of what is at stake for the club and its fans.
Team Preparations and Mindset
Last emphasised the need for his team to perform at their best, acknowledging that the game will be challenging. He expressed respect for Hull Kingston Rovers and their approach to the game, noting their consistency in performance over recent years. Last indicated that Hull FC has been focusing on consistency in their own performances over the past few weeks, aiming for a solid 80-minute effort in the derby.
The coach also spoke about leveraging emotion to fuel actions on the field, encouraging positive play, strong line speed, and aggressive ball carrying to engage the crowd early in the match. He stressed the importance of a strong start, particularly in the first 20 minutes, to set the tone for the game and then maintain that intensity throughout.
Last mentioned that the team is excited for the occasion, especially playing at home. He is looking forward to the atmosphere generated by both sets of supporters, anticipating a good game between two teams eager for a win. He recalled a previous home derby played in St Helens, hoping for a similar performance and result.
For Hull FC, the starting lineup includes MoyMoy, BarronBarron, HardakerHardaker, LittenLitten, and BriscoeBriscoe. The halves feature ArthurArthur and SezerSezer. In the forwards, SalabioSalabio, CustCust, HillHill, BatchelorBatchelor, O’NeillO’Neill, and BellBell are in the initial lineup. Substitutes for Hull FC include BourouhBourouh, ClarkClark, Ese’eseEse’ese, and WoodWood.
During the match, SalabioSalabio was substituted for WoodWood at 20 minutes and later for Ese’eseEse’ese at 74 minutes. CustCust was replaced by ClarkClark at 35 minutes and then by BellBell at 57 minutes. HillHill saw a substitution for Ese’eseEse’ese at 25 minutes before returning to the field at 55 minutes. BellBell was substituted for BourouhBourouh at 25 minutes and later for CustCust at 68 minutes.
Opposition Outlook
Hull Kingston Rovers‘ starting lineup features BroadbentBroadbent, DaviesDavies, HikuHiku, GildartGildart, and BurgessBurgess. MourgueMourgue and MayMay are in the halves. The forward pack includes SueSue, LittenLitten, HadleyHadley, WhitbreadWhitbread, BatchelorBatchelor, and MinchellaMinchella. The substitutes for Hull Kingston Rovers are AmoneAmone, LuckleyLuckley, LawtonLawton, and DezariaDezaria.
For Hull Kingston Rovers, SueSue was substituted for AmoneAmone at 20 minutes and then for LawtonLawton at 53 minutes. MinchellaMinchella was replaced by LuckleyLuckley at 53 minutes and later by AmoneAmone at 69 minutes.
Hull Kingston Rovers have had a dominant period against their city rivals, securing ten victories in their last 12 meetings. This includes a 26-12 success at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 4. However, recent weeks have shown some challenges for Hull Kingston Rovers, with two consecutive losses since that win. They were defeated 34-12 by Warrington and 20-6 by Wakefield.
These recent results have seen Willie Peters‘ side fall out of the playoff positions. Despite a successful 2025 season where they won three trophies and followed it up with a World Club Challenge win at the start of the current season, the team’s form has shifted. Hull FC, on the other hand, has faced a difficult period, losing nine of their last ten matches, with only Huddersfield below them in the standings. Their last game saw a 32-22 loss to Leigh, where they showed a spirited response in the second half after being 28-0 down at half-time, scoring 22 unanswered points.
The match is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, with an 8pm kick-off time.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”