Scott Taylor has looked ahead to tomorrow’s Derby Day fixture against Hull Kingston Rovers, and stressed the importance of the Hull Derby to the sports, and to young players in Hull in particular.
Last time out, the sides met behind-closed-doors in St Helens last October, and although it was the Black & Whites who took the win and the bragging rights, Hull’s co-captain said the victory wasn’t the same without supporters in attendance.
However, Taylor has expressed his excitement to once again see the derby back in front of fans tomorrow.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Taylor said: “It’s a great day for the city – truthfully, I was gutted when Hull KR got relegated because we want and need those derby games. Hull is a huge rugby city and we need this game to be at the very top of the sport.
“It’s also great for amateur rugby league across the city. It’s struggling a little bit at the moment, but to see both teams doing well is see more kids out on the street pick up a rugby ball.
“This game on Saturday is all about inspiring those young fans and players and making them think “Wow, this is what I want to do when I’m older”. I know that was certainly the case for me when I was a kid.”
And Taylor detailed the difference between the last meeting of the sides, and what is expected tomorrow.
“It was very strange, and one of the weirdest games I’ve ever been involved in. It was frustrating having to travel there, but we just did what we had to do. We came out with the win but it just wasn’t the same with no fans.
“This time, we’re going to be back to what derby games are meant to be like.”
On the game itself, Taylor admitted the Robins find themselves in good form coming into the game, but the Airlie Birds have the upper hand in terms of coming up trumps in derby matches in recent seasons.
“It’s built up to be a cracker. Hull KR are playing well, but it’s the old cliche you here every time derby week comes around – form goes out the window.
“The likes of Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Ryan Hall are doing a brilliant job out of back-field, then they’re quick around the ruck with Jez Litten and Matt Parcell. They have some good offloads in there too and play a good brand of rugby. We need to start fast and lay the foundations early, and control that emotion and stick to the game plan.”
He added: “We’ve won a lot of derbies over the last few years so we know how to come out of the other end with the win against them.
“We have to put the emotion to the side when it comes to the match. We need to rise to that occasion, but stick to that game plan, because we have a lot of players who have done it before.”
The Black & Whites take on the Robins at the MKM Stadium in the biggest clash between the sides for a decade as both battle hard for a spot in the Betfred Super League play-offs having reached the business end of the season.
An electric atmosphere is expected at the MKM Stadium in what is set to be the biggest event in the city this summer, and the biggest since the start of the pandemic!
Tickets for the match remain available to purchase. To book yours online now – click here
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