Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock has given his verdict on what is the biggest derby in Super League and it’s sure to split opinion.
The eight-time Grand Final winner is no stranger to a big game and played on both sides of the West Yorkshire derby between Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos when it was the premier game in Super League.
However, he’s now given his verdict on which is the biggest derby game in Super League currently with this being a highly-contested subject among fans.
Speaking on The Bench Podcast, Peacock has delivered his verdict: “For me, I think the Hull KR and Hull FC derby is just crazy when you’re in that city. I think it’s the only derby that takes over a city.
“I know Wigan and Saints is huge, Bradford and Leeds was back in the day. I know Wigan and Saints is still massive today, but it (Hull derby) takes over the city. You’ve got to be in the city to realise what it’s like.”
The 46-year-old got to experience first-hand the intensity of the Hull derby during his time as Director of Rugby at Hull KR in 2016, a season in which Hull KR lost every derby and suffered relegation.
Should Super League have less derbies?
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Peacock has also made a very bold claim about derbies in Super League, arguing that he wants to see less of them despite labelling them as one of the sport’s “greatest attributes”.
“I want to see less derby games. I’m sick and tired (of them),” he explained.
“I think one of our greatest attributes of Rugby League, certainly in the Northern Hemisphere, is the derby and the tribalism between the derbies.
Pushed further on why he wants the number to be reduced, Peacock said: “It’s diluted because you’ve got four or five a year.
“I like watching the derbies even though I’m not involved in them. Wigan versus Saints and Hull FC versus Hull KR, you know it means so much to them but when you watch it four or five times, you’re like, I can turn watch it whenever.
“I just think we just need a bit more scarcity to create demand. Two a year. Home and away. That’s all we need, isn’t it?
“Because the good sides will meet again in the playoffs, you’ll meet again in probably the Challenge Cup. So in the league, I just only want to see two derbies a year.”
The current 2024 Super League season has seen Hull KR beat Hull FC three times whilst Wigan Warriors are currently 2-1 up against St Helens, but the teams could still meet in the playoffs.
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Suchy77
August 27, 2024 at 5:18 pm
I sort of agree with Jamie, we should have Majic weekend as derby games as this adds the extra spice and magic, not just an away day for all teams!
James
August 28, 2024 at 9:16 pm
but its pure chance based on 2023 league positions that Wigan and Saints, and Rovers and FC have each met three times. Do away with the loop fixtures and that will not happen.