Joe Cator has told supporters “You’d be crazy to miss Derby Day” as excitement continues to build ahead of Saturday’s hotly-anticipated clash at the MKM Stadium.
Hull and Rovers go head to head this weekend in what childhood Black & White fan Cator believes will be the biggest Hull Derby for over a decade, given to proximity of both sides in the Betfred Super League table.
FC and the Robins are both battling hard to secure a spot in the play-offs as we reach the business end of the season, and Cator has explained his excitement to be involved in such a significant clash for the team he has supported all of his life.
“It’s just pure excitement for me. At the start of every season, it’s the one you look for on the fixture list. For me personally, I can’t wait to be back at the MKM Stadium and playing in front of a packed out stadium. It’s a memorable occasion for us as players to be involved with, and an honour.
“The last Hull Derby at St Helens last year just wasn’t like what a derby is supposed to be; with no fans, there was no atmosphere, and there wasn’t a lot at stake with Rovers being down towards the bottom of the table. It didn’t have the same feel and was just another game. But this is what we have been waiting for.
“But if you look back about nine or ten years ago, and remember how close and intense those derbies were – this feels like one of them. They always seemed to be fairly close and could go either way, and that’s what we’ll be getting back to this week given the form that Rovers find themselves in this year as opposed to the last few seasons.
He added: “It gives extra spice for the fans, and having something on the line makes a big difference. Even though we always give it our all in every derby match, the intensity will be that little bit higher than we’ve seen in recent years, I feel.”
On the Robins, with whom Cator used to play, he continued: “They’re playing some expansive rugby, which they have done for a while in fairness whether they’ve been down at the bottom or in the play-offs like they are now. Their style hasn’t really changed – it just seems to be clicking together for them now.
“They’re tidy with the offloads too, and the second-phase attack is threatening. Those are the things we’ll need to be wary of.
And growing up as a Hull FC fan, Cator admits that these are the games he dreamed of being involved with as a youngster, and explained to any supporter who has not yet bought their ticket to the match, to not miss out!
“These are the games that I dreamed of when I was a kid. I watched plenty of games in the South Stand biting my nails when I was a bit younger, but it’s going to be special running out there and doing in for my boyhood club.
“You’d be crazy to miss it – why would you not want to be part of such a special event for the city? Watching on TV just doesn’t compare. All I’d say is don’t miss out – because you’ll regret missing one of the biggest games for years.”
He added: “We’ve got some big bodies back, and the team we’ll name is going to be scary. We’re not far off being full strength with only four or five names still unavailable. It’s our first opportunity to field our almost strongest possible side this year apart from in Round One.”
Tickets for the #DerbyDay clash are selling fast, with only limited tickets now available in several sections of the MKM Stadium – the East Stand is now almost fully single seats only.
Tickets remain available online by clicking here, as well as over the phone by calling 01482 505600, and from the MKM Stadium ticket zone. Unreserved tickets for the South Stand are also available from all three of our club retail stores.
For the latest ticket information – click here
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