Hull KR forward Dean Hadley talks top-of-the-table clash in Good Friday Hull derby

Hull KR forward Dean Hadley is one of the players who’s featured for both Rovers and Hull FC in a Hull derby.

Hadley came through the junior ranks at the Black and Whites and spent six seasons playing in West Hull.

Moving across in July 2019 following a loan spell, the Hull KR second-rower has enjoyed a successful time in East Hull.

He’s cemented himself in the Rovers pack, becoming one of their most consistent performers in the last six years.

Hadley admitted that Hull derby games are always a highlight in the calendar, and the added inner-city rivalry only adds to the excitement.

Speaking on Super League’s website, he said: “The derby games are the games you want to play in. That Challenge Cup quarter-final was great.

“When you run out and there’s 20,000+ fans, it’s absolutely incredible.

“As a player, you don’t need to get yourself up for it; the noise and the atmosphere naturally raise the intensity, and the adrenaline just goes through the roof.

“It never gets old. I’m lucky that I’ve been able to play for both sides and witness and sample it from both perspectives.

“I know exactly what it means to everybody and to this city. It literally is a city divided.”

Hull KR forward picks Super League’s biggest rivalry in his opinion and notes Hull FC’s improvements in 2025

Being a Hull lad, Hadley shared that his own family are split when it comes to supporting him, a feeling that’s similar amongst both Hull KR and Hull FC players from the city.

He added: “In my family, I’ve got a couple that are Black & White, and now I’ve got a couple that have been converted to Red & White.

“When we say it’s a divided city, it really is, you’re either black and white or red and white, there is no in between.

“And then with people outside of rugby, whenever it’s a Hull derby, it’s a game that grabs the attention of everybody and involves everyone. Everyone gets on board and watches on.

“They’re obviously massive games, and when you’re involved in rugby league, you know how big it is. It captures the full city.”

There will be no surprise on where the Hull KR forward sits on the biggest rivalry debate, being a Hull-born player.

Hadley said: “The Hull derby is definitely the biggest derby in rugby league. I’m a Hull lad, so I’m going to be biased, but there’s just something extra special about this game!

“Unless you’re in it and you’ve sampled it, it’s hard to understand that feeling. For me, this derby is the biggest and the best.”

With this Hull derby featuring the top two sides in Super League, he’s expecting a tough encounter, even more so than any other Hull derby.

Hadley noted Hull’s improvement in 2025 and admitted Rovers will have to be at their very best to get their season back on track.

He finished: “We’re expecting a tough game. Hull are a much-improved side this year, and sometimes having a tough year or two can make you a better and stronger side in the future.

“They’ve got some quality senior players and young players too, who are benefiting from that.

“They’ve got a good mix and blend of youth and experience, and we saw how they performed against Warrington last week.

“It’s a clash between first and second, so we know we’re going up against a quality side.

“We know we will need to be at our best.”