Tony Smith is expecting a Derby Day “humdinger” of a contest when the Black & Whites kick off the 2024 season against the Robins on Thursday.
In front of the competition’s biggest opening night attendance for over 17 years, and the club’s biggest in the Super League era, Hull will be aiming to keep hold of the bragging rights in the first match of the new campaign.
Looking ahead to the game, Smith said: “It’s brilliant; it’s captured everyone’s attention, and that’s the purpose of it, not just for our city but for the sport. Everyone knows the rivalry between the two teams, and everybody is expecting that we’re kicking off the season with a humdinger of a game.
“We want to play our part in that and make sure that we can go out there and do as best we can. We want to enjoy it, and it’s given us a focus.
“It would be great to get away with a win in week one, no matter who we are playing, but when it’s a derby match, of course, most of us live in the city, and that rivalry is there. You hear about it until the next time you play them, so it would be great if we could not only start the season well but also get one over our noisy neighbours.”
On the injury front, Smith added: “Cam Scott has come through really well following his knock against Wigan. He will play.
“Fashy is not so good. He’s got a little bit of ligament damage there. As to exactly how long, we’re not sure, but he won’t be available for this week. He’s had some bad news, but Cam has been training full-tilt.
“Morgan Smith will be in the squad. Whether or not he makes the team, we’ll see, but he’ll be there or thereabouts. He’s been training well and is in good shape.
“Ligi missed out last game with some heavy flu, but everybody is pretty good now,” Smith added. “A fair few of us were suffering, but we’re okay now. When the sun comes out, we all start to feel a bit better.”
And Smith said the focus for the Black & Whites is their defensive attitude.
“For us, it’s about our attitude towards defence and our aggression. We need to compete at higher levels and for longer periods.
“We don’t want to talk a whole lot about the past as we’ve made changes to personnel, but if you want to have a successful team, then you’ve got to have a successful defence. There are no shortcuts to that. You’ve got to work hard, but you’ve got to be effective too. That’s down to us as a team, but as individuals as well.”
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