Hull KR can look forward to healthier sporting rivalry with Hull FC after takeover development

Hull Kingston Rovers can look forward to a healthy sporting rivalry with Hull FC after news was confirmed of the Black and Whites being set for takeover with funds to strengthen.

It did not take long for current Hull FC club chairman Adam Pearson to make reference to Rovers at the fans forum that followed release of the news. He quickly said: "I'm absolutely delighted because I don't think we could have a stronger covenant or a stronger board going forward to really compete with the big three or four boards that are out there now, particularly our neighbours across the river."

Mention of the "neighbours across the river" led to boos from among the Hull FC-supporting onlookers. Pearson's response to those boos was "yeah, absolutely".

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Hull FC's prospective incoming co-owner Andrew Thirkill later, at that event, acknowledged the positivity of a competitive sporting rivalry between the clubs though, referencing the early 80s. He said: "The fact that Hull Kingston Rovers are doing well is good for the city in my opinion. I was there in 1980 for the Challenge Cup final, fantastic. There was the 81 Premiership final when they played each other. 82 at Headingley was packed out. There's a great history there. The BBC 2 Floodlit Trophy Final 1979, Hull won that one."

A new, modern-day Hull KR star - Jared Waerea-Hargreaves - has also just had his say on future Hull derbies and spoken about the positivity that goes with a competitive rivalry. Having recently arrived in the area, he has already been feeling local passions. Asked about if he has had interactions with locals, he said: "More so Robins fans. There's been a couple of FC guys. In general it has been quite supportive."

Asked about a healthy derby rivalry, Waerea-Hargreaves said: "It'd be great. It'd be great for Hull the city, the area. I love rivalries. I've been involved in one for a long time back in Australia. It's what the people want. They love who they represent. I'm looking forward to another great year. I heard the derbies are pretty 'out there' so it should be good!"

The fact is that it has been an imbalanced rivalry recently, with Rovers not being challenged to a serious extent by their neighbours. Last season, Hull KR finished in second place while Hull FC were second bottom; with Rovers winning 21 out of 27 regular-season games to take 42 points, and Hull FC losing 24 out of 27 to take six points. The derby matches between the two clubs were also one sided with Rovers winning all three; 22-0 away, 34-10 at home, and then 24-10 away again.

Hull FC have had consistently poor recent recruitment cycles, while Hull KR have had consistently strong ones. Hull FC have struggled with fitness and injuries, while Hull KR have been strong in both areas - a point that FC's director of rugby Richie Myler admitted himself at the fans' forum. Hull FC have been forced to throw in youngsters, Hull KR have been so strong that youngsters are struggling to get a look-in.

There has been hope before at Hull FC that things could turn for the better when new coaches have come in but it has not materialised. But money talks and this change at the top could have major positive repercussions for them in the long run.

It will help Rovers to have competition, being tested and threatened can help development and motivation. They are top dogs in the city and a healthy rivalry should feel inspiring, rather than troubling, for them.

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