
Hull KR will be looking to pick up their third win of the season over Hull FC when the two sides meet at the MKM Stadium this Saturday. The Robins saw off Hull 22-0 on the opening day of the 2024 campaign before recording a 34-10 win at Craven Park on Good Friday.
In fact, having won four of the last five Hull derbies, it’s fair to say Rovers have been the dominant side on the banks of the Humber over the last few seasons. The Super League table reflects that, too, with Rovers battling to keep the heat up on Wigan Warriors at the top end of the division, while Hull are rooted in 11th having won just two games all season.
Performances have been improving in west Hull, though, and there is a growing belief that Simon Grix’s side might just be able to upset the odds this weekend. That’s despite the club being without eight players through injury.
Hull FC injury news
Veteran hooker Danny Houghton has dropped out of the side after picking up a calf injury last time out against Salford Red Devils, which could give Denive Balmforth the chance to start at hooker. Meanwhile, the Black and Whites remain without Jed Cartwright, who is yet to make his debut for the club after making the move from the NRL earlier this season.

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He’s out with a foot issue and is joined on the sidelines by fellow forwards Joe Cator (back) and Jack Ashworth (ankle). Cam Scott’s hamstring issue is only high profile issue in the back line, while Mitieli Vulikijapani continues to sit out of the action due to a knee problem. Youngsters Charlie Severs and Nick Staveley miss out through respective shoulder and knee issues, too.
There is some good news at the MKM Stadium, though, with Ligi Sao overcoming a rib complaint during the week to make the 21-man squad. It remains to be seen if he’ll be involved in the derby, though.
Hull KR injury news
Rovers have had some good news, too, with Oliver Gildart being named in a 21-man squad for the first-time since KR’s win over Wigan Warriors in April. Again, though, it remains to be seen if he will be involved in the clash with Willie Peters having options at centre.
Sam Luckley drops out of the fold after failing a head injury assessment last time out, while James Batchelor isn’t expected to return to action until later this month due to an ankle issue.
