Hull FC face their nearest and dearest rivals Hull KR tomorrow and according to Sam Tomkins, it’s a must-win game for the Black and Whites with Tony Smith under serious pressure.
Tomkins knows a thing or two about derby games having played in several Good Friday derbies for Wigan Warriors against St Helens, including that famous 2011 game, but he’s now weighed in on the ‘other’ derby that’s set to take place tomorrow.
Hull KR host Hull FC in the 12:30 pm kick off and the form books for each side could hardly be much different, KR entering off the back of a 40-0 win whereas FC have shipped 50 points in each of their last two games.
Hull FC are also carrying plenty of injury designations whereas Hull KR are expected to have star man Mikey Lewis back with Willlie Peters’ side looking to complete a quickfire double over their cross-city rivals after already beating them 22-0 in Round One.
Speaking on Sky Sports News‘ The Verdict, Sam Tomkins has explained that this is a must-win game for Hull FC but he’s also questioned the desire of the players, particularly following their Round Five Super League loss to Leigh.
Tomkins explained that the Black and Whites are a side under pressure, noting: “Given the results they’ve come up with this year, only getting one win and that being against London, the newly promoted side, which was the closest game London have played this year.
“I think what’s been the most disappointing is it’s looked like the desire hasn’t been there from Hull. I think from a player’s point of view, you never want to be criticised for your effort and your desire, but I think the ease that Leigh Leopard scored some tries in the game against them recently, it must have been tough to watch and obviously it all falls on the coach’s toes at some point.”
“He’s under pressure” – Tony Smith feeling the heat according to ex-England skipper
Credit: Imago Images
If Hull FC were to beat their rivals then it would be a huge upset with bookmakers pricing the Robins as 24-point favourites before a ball is even kicked, however, Tomkins believes that despite all the struggles the club have had it’s the easiest week of the year for Tony Smith in terms of motivating his players.
Tomkins also revealed that Smith is a man under pressure, adding: “I imagine he’s under pressure but this will be the easiest week of Tony Smith’s 2024 season I’m sure because the Hull derby is different. I think something that we heard from Elliot Minchella was that they’re expecting the best of Hull FC. How good that is, I’m not too sure.
“League form goes out the window. It’s about passion, it’s about rivalry, it’s about 80 minutes. So, if Hull FC do a job on Hull KR over at Hull KR’s Stadium then everyone would forget these four losses they’ve had this year.
“If they can go and win and turn over the Robins, as I’m sure they’re wanting to do, I think that will completely change Hull FC’s season.”
Can Hull FC actually beat Hull KR?
Credit: Imago Images
It would be a mammoth result if Hull FC can actually land the win, after all they’re 24-point underdogs for a reason. Shipping 104 points in their last two games whilst only scoring two tries doesn’t make for good reading.
Nor does the fact that only two weeks ago Hull KR quite comfortably beat Huddersfield Giants on the road 24-12 in a game that they dominated, whereas FC have just conceded 50 points to that same team at home a week later.
The one hope for Hull FC is what Tomkins references about it being a derby. Form does occasionally go out of the window but in this instance perhaps the form is too tough to ignore? Having been nilled twice in their last three against Hull KR then maybe putting points on the board should be the aim for Tony Smith’s men instead.
