TOMORROW'S derby clash at the KC Stadium is a bigger game in terms of needing a win for Hull FC than it is Hull KR at present.
I'm not sure anyone would have predicted that to be the case a month ago, but recent results, and more importantly performances, make the Red and Whites the favourites.
With just two wins from eight so far this season, and only one in the last six, the opening third of the season has been disappointing to say the least for Hull.
I defended the FC players in defeats to Leeds, Warrington and Huddersfield because I thought the opposition were simply better on the night. However, the defeat at Widnes, and the draws in London and at Saints again showed the frailties of a side under pressure to perform.
The Widnes loss was especially damaging, but equally so in my opinion the draw last weekend, albeit in atrocious conditions down in London.
It has left many fans asking what the problem is again after such heavy recruitment in the off-season.
Injuries to key personnel certainly haven't helped, as the bitter blow of losing Gareth Ellis on the opening night has been followed by Brett Seymour's car crash and subsequent absence, as well as injuries to Kirk Yeaman and Daniel Holdsworth.
Now, we are told they could be without full-back Shannon McDonnell tomorrow (although it being derby week, I'll only believe the team news when we see the teamsheet).
Holdsworth is the man they can't do without.
He is the side's main organiser, and although he needs time to settle, when he has been on the field the Black and Whites have shown plenty of promise in
attack.
When he is not there, Hull are still struggling with the same structural problems as in previous seasons.
Nobody takes the lead, nobody is capable of changing the team's ways by observing issues and addressing them. There is no creativity or guile, and as a team they simply score too few points to, in my opinion, be considered capable of being a top-four team.
On the flip side, they sure can defend – which is a good job considering the amount of cheap ball they've collectively turned over this season.
Thankfully for coach Peter Gentle, a derby needs no motivation for the players and is often used as a big tool to turn around a flailing season.
In fact, a win by more than 12 points will see the Black and Whites overtake Rovers in the Super League table, such is the closeness of the competition.
A loss could be very damaging though and could see an already confidence-hit side struggle badly in the coming weeks, such is the emotional strain a derby can take out of individuals and teams.
For Craig Sandercock and Hull KR, it is a different story.
Three wins in four have seen them climb into the top eight and they have no such issues in attack.
They are the exact opposite in defence though, conceding almost as many points as scored so far in 2013. March was always going to be a big month for Sandercock, but his team has responded from that collapse at Salford and now head into the derby clash with confidence high.
Key players returning to the side, Travis Burns being the main one, have given KR a big lift.
Confidence has been lifted, and this, coupled with the team's ability to score points with their structures, especially on their left side, has brought results.
Rovers have also reduced their unforced errors in recent weeks, although a few still have a long way to go – namely Greg Eden at full-back.
I love derby week, it never fails to throw up exciting, intense, tough rugby league.
Both teams will be desperate to win the first major contest between the two sides this year, and it could well be a battle of the superb KR attack against the outstanding FC defence.
I cannot wait to see how this one unfolds, but I know it will be a close, intense, tough and uncompromising battle.
I expect both sets of players to be nervous, but in Michael Dobson I feel KR have the man with the kicking game to make the difference.
If he pins FC into poor field position, then I cannot see how Hull can break down Rovers from close to their own line to go the length.
Hull don't look like they have a player confident or capable enough to scorch 80 metres.
Therefore, the battle of field position will be vital. The key is keeping the opposition at arms length, and for me, the edge here lies with the expert kicking game of Dobson.
All logic suggests a Robins win for me, they are in better form and look more at ease on the field with each other. I'm saying KR win by four points – but when am I right?
