Rugby League is often referred to as a simple game. More than not, if you run harder and tackle harder than your opponents, then you’ll come out on top.

Of course, if you dive deeper, the systems and tactics used are much more complex than that, but the basic elements of the sport always ring true. It’s a game of grit, effort, desire, and determination.

That’s the mentality Hull FC must have against Hull KR this Good Friday. It’s certainly a case of back-to-basics as they enter the Robins' den. For Tony Smith’s side, it’s all about hard work. The side must base their performance off such graft, with the effort-based fundamentals shining through.

That's the only way they stand a chance of getting a result at Craven Park. They won’t get one by taking shortcuts, that’s for sure, and it’s the detail behind those traits that matters most.

Hull must show significant improvement in all aspects of their performance, from effort to desire to discipline. They have to show it on both sides of the ball, too, from getting their contact and control right in defence to their shape and structure in attack.

Hull must get back to hard work, showing both urgency and energy, getting off the line in defence and completing their sets in attack, avoiding pressure releases. They are all things that Hull have failed to do in recent times. Instead, they’ve leaked cards, penalties, errors, and missed tackles like they’re confetti, and together, those indiscretions paint the picture of why their results have gone the way they have, with two fifty-point howlers behind them as they enter the traditional Easter fixture.

And in facing an opponent that has had the better of them in recent times, both in terms of the derby itself and league positions, Hull can rectify a lot of that with a performance full of pride and passion. It’s all the fans ask for, and over a sustained period, it brings results.

The problem with Hull, who it must be said are facing ongoing selection challenges with big earners on the sideline, is that it’s always one step forward and two steps back. They’ve got to break that cycle here; they need to give fans something to get behind and ignite their season.

And up against the old enemy, there’s no better incentive or opportunity to do it. As Fa’amanu Brown said in this week’s pre-match press conference, “It’s on us players.” Now it’s time to put words into action.

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All-time Head to Head
Played 244 - Hull wins 124 - Rovers wins 110 - Draws 10

Super League Head to Head
Played 46 - Hull wins 24 - Rovers wins 22

Last Five Meetings
2024: Hull 0 Rovers 22
2023: Rovers 6 Hull 16
2023: Hull 0 Rovers 40
2022: Hull 4 Rovers 36
2022: Hull 34 Rovers 28 (Magic Weekend)

Fixture
Hull KR vs Hull FC, Super League Round Six, Craven Park, Friday 29 March, Kick Off 12:30 pm

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