Hull KR head coach Tony Smith is in no doubt that the Hull derby is the biggest in Super League.
Smith has been involved in a number of Super League derby matches featuring various clubs since the start of his coaching career in 2001.
However, since arriving at Rovers last year, Smith is now in no doubt that the Hull derby is out in front as the fiercest rivalry in the competition.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s all-Hull showdown in St Helens, Smith said: “The Hull derby is the biggest I have been involved in without a doubt.
“We are both in the city. You only have to live here a little while to understand how big it is.
“In other rivalries between clubs, I understand that sometimes develops over a period of time. You talk about St Helens and Wigan and all of those sort of things.
“But, when you live in the same town, and half the town is black and white and the other half is red and white, it means something.
“It is quite different. I think until you actually coach in one of those games but also live in the city, you do not really understand until you get in.”
Thursday’s clash will be the 237th competitive meeting between the clubs and the first since February when the Black and Whites ran out 25-16 winners at the KCOM Stadium.
As has been the case with most Hull derbies to have taken place in Super League, Rovers come in as underdogs having only won three matches all season.
But despite their struggles, Smith is under no illusions that victory in the derby could change how many of the club’s supporters reflect on this season.
We have to get up for the game. We need to dust ourselves off,” said the Robins boss.
“We are probably lacking confidence at the moment. Hopefully, the derby gets everybody up and ready to go.
“Hopefully, everybody will realise the importance of the derby, particularly, if you have been in this city for long enough.
“It is bragging rights until the next time you play and that will be a long time after this one so we would love to finish on a high and certainly get those bragging rights for some time to come.”
