Rovers’ new recruit Hall facing up to swift reunion with Hull FC

Finally getting to play for his boyhood heroes is enthralling enough but to do so against his former team-mates in what many believe is Super League’s only true derby makes his bow all the more fitting.

The utility back, 22, who grew up in Hull FC colours, was allowed to make the cross-city switch at the end of last season, his final Airlie Birds game being the gut-wrenching September play-off derby defeat to Rovers.

As he prepares for Sunday’s Super League opener in Cardiff, it is easy to imagine Hall having endured plenty of light-hearted abuse about that bilious loss ever since joining up with his new colleagues.

“No, I just said because I went off after two minutes, I was the only reason Rovers won,” he told the Yorkshire Post, Hall having pulled up early with a knee injury.

“I’d love to have gone out better for Hull but now I’m at Rovers all I want is to succeed here.”

There is a feeling he will get more scope to fulfil his potential on the east side of the city.

Hall offered versatility to Hull FC playing centre, wing, full-back and stand-off without ever nailing down one position but he is ear-marked as centre by Justin Morgan.

“I always wanted to play left centre but obviously with Kirk Yeaman – such a great player – he was hard to shift,” he recalled. “I put my hand up to play anywhere and maybe that did affect me but I’ve spoken to Morgs and hopefully I’ll take my chance when I get it here.

“I might end up against Yeomo this weekend or Richard Whiting or Willie (Manu) – who knows?

“They’re all good players but I’m going to have to face them one day; and I’ll know their cons,” he added.

Hall’s father is an ardent Rovers fan who took his young son to Craven Park “because he wouldn’t take me to Hull”.

He was not overjoyed about him heading to FC as a player so is currently delirious.

Now Hall Junior is out to make sure he makes the most of his own second chance.