Andy Last is hoping that he can draw on his previous derby day win as interim Hull FC coach to put an end to Hull KR’s dominance in this fixture of late.
The Robins have won the last seven derbies with Willie Peters having won eight of nine during his time in charge at Hull KR, making for an incredibly dry spell in the derby for Hull FC.
In his second spell as interim coach at Hull FC, Andy Last is hoping that he can replicate the derby win that he oversaw in 2020 to offer fans of the Black and Whites some bragging rights.
Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside on Thursday, Last said: “I obviously beat them the last time I was interim head coach against Hull Kingston Rovers, so it’d be nice to break that run that they’re on, but I know it’s going to be a tough game, they’re a good side and we’ll need to play well to beat them.
“I think they’ve won seven in a row, I think if they win this week it takes them to eight, so Willie’s certainly got them firing for the derbies, they’ve got a good run, we need to try and break that, but what we’ll need to do is play well for 80 minutes.”
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Last has admitted that even for himself, the key message is to try and contain emotions, with the interim coach emphasising that whichever side settles first will have the big advantage.
He admitted: “I think the main emotion for me is just making sure that I keep a lid on my emotions, making sure that I’m quite clear and measured in my delivery, making sure that we get the tactical and technical elements of our preparation right.
“When it comes to game day, I don’t need to talk too much from an emotional point of view. The derby and what the derby brings will bring out the best obviously in both sets of players. I think what’s important for us is just making sure that we focus on what we can control, which is our own performance, and make sure that we don’t allow the occasion to get to us.”
On what will prove critical for victory, he added: “I think the big one for a derby is the team that probably settles into the rhythm of the game the quickest is normally the team that comes out on top. So we need to make sure that we get the start right, make sure that it’s full of energy, full of intent.”
The Black and Whites are boosted in that James Bell and Cade Cust are back this week, with Last confirming that the pair have had a ‘good week of practise’.
Both named in the 21-man squad, Last confirmed: “Belly trained this week, had some nice touches, every chance he’ll play a significant part in this derby game.
“Cade Cust was nursing his shoulder, we took him out of the firing line for a few weeks, that’s settled down, and he’s chomping at the bit, ready for an opportunity to go in the derby as well.”
One man the Black and Whites are without is Harvey Barron, however, there was a positive update in that the winger showed no symptoms after failing his HIA.
“He passed his return to play protocols. He’ll be in training tomorrow with the non-selected and the injured guys, there’s a decent group of injured guys returning to full fitness, Harvey will do his stuff there and he should be available for the York game.”
