Danny McGuire's big claims on Hull KR and Hull derby set up 'tasty' fixture

Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire said he had the time of his life at Hull Kingston Rovers and views the Hull derby as "probably the biggest" in Super League.

Considering McGuire has been a playing legend in a trophy-laden spell at Leeds Rhinos, playing in the Leeds Rhinos-Bradford Bulls derby, those are big statements - ahead of what he calls a "tasty" fixture for his Cas team away against Hull KR in round one of 2025. Castleford's coaching team also including former Rovers assistant coach Brett Delaney and former half-back star Scott Murrell, making the return to Craven Park for a clash that is also on Sky Sports Main Event on February 14.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Sport West Yorkshire, McGuire joked: "I think somebody has set that up, haven't they? Obviously with myself and Brett Delaney and Scott Murrell all having connections with Rovers, it's a brilliant fixture. It's a really good fixture. I absolutely loved my time at Hull KR. It's probably the most enjoyable five, six years that I had there, I loved it. It's a great club, some great people there, I have got lots of friends still there so I think it's a really tasty first fixture. And a tough fixture as well.

READ MORE: Hull KR having most Sky TV picks shows growing appeal - with others way behind

READ MORE: Hull KR players sent message about mentality as return looms after Grand Final pain

"I think they showed last year what a quality team and a quality environment that they have got there so it's a really big challenge for us first up but it will give us a good indication of where we are."

Asked about the prospect of sampling a Castleford v Wakefield derby, with the latter newly promoted to Super League, McGuire mentioned Hull again, saying: "I've been involved in Leeds and Bradford derbies. I've been involved in probably the biggest derby in the Hull derby. But it's really nice to see Wakey progressing. I think the new owner there is doing a fantastic job. He's really making a statement and making people talk about Wakefield, which is really good. I feel we as a club we are ambitious now with Martin (Jepson) taking over and the club wanting to progress and move forward, it sort of fits nice for the derby."

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel