Jake Connor, who has missed almost two months of action with a knee injury, is setting his sights on returning for the Derby this afternoon, but he will need no added motivation as he plots his comeback against FC’s arch rivals.
Injury and suspension has frustrated Connor in the past, forcing him to miss key games against the Robins, and he’s hoping that won’t stand in his way again today.
The international star is yet to be on the losing side in a Hull Derby, scoring four tries against Rovers since he joined the Black & Whites.
The full-back committed his long-term future to the club earlier this week, putting pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension.
“There’s so much attraction to the Derby for me. It’s one of those games where you don’t need to get up for it, that feeling is already there,” he said.
“It’s a game that I love being a part of, with the fans and the atmosphere. Just walking out onto the pitch before the game starts is something you don’t get the experience every week. It’s always a game I look forward to.
“When I first joined the club, I don’t think I quite appreciated how much it meant to people, especially some of the players who grew up as Hull FC fans and were born and raised in this city.
“But I have a much better understanding of the meaning of it all now having spent the last five years here and it’s the one game you don’t want to lose.
“I’ve not lost a Derby that I’ve played in yet, so touch wood that will continue today.
“I do quite enjoy the rivalry between the two fans and it does put a smile on my face when I get some stick from the opposition fans. I was actually quite disappointed that we didn’t get to play at their place earlier in the season because it’s always a really hostile atmosphere at Craven Park and I thrive off that.
“But I’m so excited for this game. It’s going to be bouncing inside the ground, as it always is for Derby Day, and I can’t wait. Hopefully I’ll be able to get involved!”
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