Hull FC’s Andy Last standing tall after three wins on the spin

Tries from Bureta Faraimo (2), Ratu Naulago (2), Josh Bowden and Ligi Sao saw them come out on top in strange circumstances - being played at St Helens behind closed doors.

After a third straight win, Last said: “It’s still very sweet.

“It was a game which was full of all the passion, enthusiasm and energy you expect of the derby. KR were very, very good in the first 30 minutes and probably shaded it as we struggled to get out of our own end.

“But the introduction of Danny Houghton, Ligi Sao and Chris Satae helped us get some momentum and they then struggled to hold us.

“I asked them to fix up some attitude and effort areas in the second half and was much more pleased with that.

“It’s nice to say I’ve won my first home game as acting head coach and first derby!”

“It’s nice to win three on the bounce but the acid test is to come against St Helens and Wigan which is a step up in level.”

Hull are in sixth which might be enough for the play-offs if they are - as speculated - altered from the top-four on Monday.

“I’m not sure what’s happening but I have just been told there may be some changes about to take place,” said Last.

“If we’re in the six (play-offs) and we have to attack that we will attack it with vigour.”

Hull KR assistant Dave Hodgson - in charge for a third straight game with head coach Tony Smith still isolating - said: “You are always disappointed to lose a derby, albeit it’s on the other side of country with no fans.

“It’s a hard one to take. Hull played some good rugby at times and took their chances.

“It’s been a tough period. We’ve had three games in eight days finishing with the derby, but there was a massive improvement on the start of the game. I thought the effort was there.”

Meanwhile, Albert Kelly has played his last game for Hull and returns home to Australia next week. The enigmatic stand-off has suffered a hamstring injury which will sideline him for the rest of the campaign and - due to leave at the end of the season - he has now been granted an early release.

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