Magic Weekend: Hull FC and Hull KR bosses in favour of extra derby

Hull FC coach Peter Gentle and Hull KR counterpart Craig Sandercock have both voiced their backing for an extra Magic Weekend derby.

The sides meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the fifth time they have played each other at a Magic Weekend.

"I think it's fantastic. It's good for the game and if we get the same result as last year it'll be even better," Sandercock told BBC Look North.

"I loved it last year, I think it's a great concept," Gentle added.

"I think it's a big rugby league carnival. There's a great atmosphere and everyone gets to see all the teams play over the weekend.

"Everyone talks about it and comes over with their friends and family."

The Robins have won all four of the previous meetings between the sides at a Magic Weekend, including last year's dramatic last-minute victory courtesy of David Hodgson's try.

Sandercock, whose side were also victorious in the first Hull derby of the year after a 23-10 win at the KC Stadium on Good Friday, is hopeful his side can carry on from their strong showing in the win over Wakefield last week.

"The key indicators alluded to the fact that we played well. There's been glimpses of what we're capable of in the last few weeks and now we need to build on that," he said.

"Unless you have a team of superstars you need all 17 of your players to play well and I thought everyone did that at the weekend."

Gentle's Black and Whites have won seven of their last eight matches in all competitions since the defeat by the Robins to move up to sixth in the Super League table.

He believes his side's work rate has been behind their turnaround in form after a slow start to the campaign.

"I think we've been on a good run for the last couple of months," he continued.

"The work ethic in this place is second to none at the moment. I can't imagine any team working harder.

"The players are being accountable to each other and there's a real good feel around the place."