The third and final Hull derby of the season takes place tomorrow with Hull KR looking to complete the clean sweep over their nearest and dearest, however, BBC pundit Kevin Brown has put forward the argument that Hull FC could land the upset.
Debate rages about which is the biggest game in Super League but for many, it is the Hull derby with it being the one game where a city is truly divided, sometimes even households being divided as well.
However, in 2024 it has been wildly uncompetitive so far with Hull KR winning both games at a canter and they’re favourites to win the third tomorrow as well. On opening night, the Robins travelled to the MKM Stadium and won 22-0 before they beat FC at home a few weeks later on Good Friday 34-10.
The Hull derby has been incredibly one-sided when played at the MKM Stadium of late with the aggregate scoreline from the past three meetings there being 98-4, the Black and Whites being nilled on the last two occasions.
Despite that, BBC pundit Kevin Brown has claimed on the 5 Live Rugby League podcast that he has an inkling for a Hull FC upset this Saturday, citing the club’s rising stars as the catalyst for such a result. A victory for Hull FC would only be their third win all season and their third in eight in the Hull derby in the past three years.
Hull FC Quiz: Can you name these former Super League players? #2
Do FC have the building blocks of a team that can win the Hull derby?
Credit: Imago Images
Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live Rugby League podcast, Brown noted Hull FC’s up-turn in form as he credited it to one player specifically, as well as the faith placed in the club’s youngsters generally.
The ex-England international explained: “I watched the Hull FC game over at Salford, and they were so unlucky. Ben Reynolds just missing a couple of tough conversions, but if he just knocks one of them over, and they a bit of ill-discipline, but that’s how close they are.
“I love the full-back who’s come in, Logan Moy, he’s got so much class and X-factor about him. I mentioned Bevan French before, but I get on the edge of my seat when I watch Logan Moy play now.”
Moy has been one of several academy products to be handed a contract extension, Brown recalling some of the others as he previewed the potential success of Hull FC in the Hull derby in the years to come.
“He’s just come from nowhere,” Brown said, adding: “I’ve never seen him play in the academy, and Simon Grix has taken a chance on him. What I will say about all FC this year is they’ve bloodied so many youngsters Jack Charles, Will Kirby made his debut at the weekend, Denive Balmforth’s playing really well and Logan Moy.
“It might not help them at the weekend against the Robins but for the years to come the experience will be invaluable but I just think this is as close a derby that we could have had for a long time.”
Can Hull FC upset the odds?
Credit: Imago Images
Brown would then go on to make the bold claim that Hull FC are his pick for the game, claiming that he had a “funny feeling” about them for the clash at 3 pm tomorrow. Incredibly, it’s a game that Sky Sports are not affording any build-up to, a decision that had surprised fans.
Brown concluded: “Hull FC are getting back to where we know they can get to and all KR have definitely just taken the foot off the pedal a little bit.”
“I think on a few occasions previously they’ve almost gone into the game knowing it’s going to be really difficult and I think they’ll still be expecting the same because it has been quite a large period now that Hull FC have not been where the fans want them to be.
“I’ve just got a funny feeling about this one with them young Hull lads. I think whenever we see good sides, the nucleus of it is the young players and the passion and the determination that they’ll show to get over the nearest rivals will be clear to see at the weekend.”
