Jez and Davy Litten put family aside in Hull derby

Hull KR's Jez Litten, left, and his cousin Davy, who plays for Hull FC

Family loyalties in the Litten household will be put to the test on Thursday night when Hull FC and Hull KR face each other in a hugely anticipated derby.

Cousins Jez and Davy will be on opposite teams, battling for bragging rights, when the new Super League season gets under way at the MKM Stadium.

The pair do not speak to each other during derby week but, whatever the result, Hull KR's Jez insists there will be a comforting arm for the loser.

He said: “We will speak after the game and whoever is on the losing side you put an arm around them and try to pick them up because it is not nice losing a derby.”

KR will be slight favourites given their fourth place finish last season and run to the play-off semi-finals.

The spoils were shared in that campaign when FC gained revenge for a 40-0 drubbing in April with a 16-6 win in July.

Inspiration from grandad

The family bond is strong and Davy takes words of wisdom to every game from his grandad.

He said: “For Jez as well, family for us is massive. My grandad means the world to me.

“I got him to write a note because he cannot go to every away game and it has just a few things like ‘remember why you are there’ and ‘remember all the hard work you have done’.

Hull FC's Davy Litten with his grandparents

“It is to show how important he is to me to have that card. I leave it in my bag so I do not forget it.

“He said he will be at the game, so it will be nice for him to see.”

Foot in both camps

So who will grandad be cheering?

Jez added: “He wears one Rovers sock and one FC sock. Hopefully, he will have his Rovers sock a bit higher this week.

“Grandma will be hiding behind a chair. She cannot watch any of our games, especially if we are playing against each other. She will be a nervous wreck. She will want us both to get through the game safely.”

On a day of firsts, FC will also unveil their new mascot for the season. In the form of a radiator, fans will also be able to take part in a competition to name it.

Kick-off at the MKM Stadium is 20:00 GMT.

There will be live commentary on BBC Radio Humberside and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.