Hull derby is heading for bumper crowd

Lower areas of the stadium are already closing in on capacity as fans prepare for the latest battle between fierce rivals Hull FC and Hull KR next Friday at the KCOM Stadium.

“Derby Day is always a real highlight of the calendar and a fantastic event for not just both clubs, but the whole city,” said Hull FC’s executive director James Clark. “The encouraging early ticket sales show there is still a real appetite for the derby, it is a traditional rivalry between two very well supported clubs and the atmosphere will be second to none.

“A big crowd at the KCOM Stadium on Derby Day under the lights is like no other game.

“The raw passion runs through the fans, the players and the staff, it divides families, friends, work colleagues – it is a genuine, true rivalry that is full of history and a great event for everyone to be part of!”

St Helens can put one hand on the League Leaders’ Shield with a derby victory over second-placed Wigan at the DW Stadium tonight.

Justin Holbrook’s men have the chance to pull 10 points clear with one round left of the regular Super League season.

“Obviously there is a bit of a gap now but we don’t really take too much notice of that,” said forward Luke Thompson.

“We’ve two tough games coming up and they are what you want to play in, now we’re coming to the business end of the year.

“We’ve been pretty consistent so far this year.”