Hull KR v Hull FC: Robins boss Willie Peters expects rivals to be motivated by derby chance

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters expects rivals Hull FC to tap into the motivation of Friday's Super League derby to try to change their fortunes.

While Peters' Robins have won four from six of their opening fixtures, including an opening-night derby win, Hull have won just one match in 2024.

The Airlie Birds have also conceded 50 or more points in their past two games.

"That's what I'd be saying [to the team] if we were in that position," Peters told BBC Radio Humberside.

"I think it gives them more motivation, to turn their season around against their rivals, there's no better way to turn your season around."

Peters' counterpart Tony Smith has seen his side struggle in 2024, with indiscipline robbing him of big forward Franklin Pele and injury also keeping out key figures such as Brad Fash and Jake Trueman.

The veteran said while the mood is low around the club there is no looking for sympathy, and the prospect of the derby should be enough of an encouraging factor.

"It is a derby, we understand how important it is living in the city, the bragging rights, we'd love our supporters to get those bragging rights," Smith told BBC Radio Humberside.

"We've just got to get about doing our jobs properly and focus on doing them the best we can."

Such a disappointing start to the season has brought with it discontent from Hull supporters, who packed out their MKM Stadium for the defeat by Rovers back in February.

Social media chatter around the Black and Whites has been critical given the season's outcome so far, which in terms of high spots has only seen a close-run victory over winless London Broncos.

Smith says the team are not looking for sympathy but admitted the slump has been hard on the players, who are working hard to put things right.

"You either use that [criticism] as a motivator, or believe it and go the other way," Smith added.

Hull FC have enjoyed victory on their rivals' patch in recent times, beating them in 2023

"It's difficult for them to read it, but it's a choice thing; a choice to read it, a choice to believe and a choice of whether you're going to do something about it.

"We're hoping to make some more of the right choices."

Rovers are the overwhelming favourites going into the derby on the formbook, but history has shown this fixture can throw up unusual results.

Last year, Peters' side thrashed Hull on their home patch over Easter, without conceding a point; conversely, the game at Sewell Group Craven Park was wildly celebrated in the west of Hull as the Black and Whites came out on top.

With one derby success under their belts already, Hull KR are looking to do the double over their rivals and stake their claim as the city's best.

"It's a privilege to be in that position because it means that you can make a difference to people's lives," Peters added.

"You can make a difference between our fans having a really good Easter weekend, or an average one."