THROUGH the biting wind and occasional snow showers at the Hull FC training ground this week, three words could be made out in the distance.
Almost shining like a beacon, a tattoo inked across a training ground, filled with excitement and emotion, the words Hull & Proud dominated the horizon.
The big billboard at the Elite Performance Centre is not new, but in derby week the words resonated louder than ever before.
A disappointing opening to the 2013 campaign has left Hull's fans and players frustrated.
The promise of better things to come remains, starting with a victory today against the old enemy which would not fail to lift the mood.
For the fans, as much as they clamour for a performance and result against Hull KR, it is the necessity of seeing pride and passion in the shirt which is almost equally important.
For Australian prop Mark O'Meley, pride and passion have never been an issue.
From the moment he arrived on these shores four years ago, O'Meley instantly bought into the meaning of the derby. The two are suited.
The prop's style of play, not to forget his approach, are a marriage made in heaven for such occasions. With his family immersed in the Hull culture, the 31-year-old admits he needs no reminder of what this game means.
"We look into the derby as much as everyone else," explains O'Meley, as he finally sits down after a third field session of the day.
"It's important people in east Hull are proud to walk around wearing their club shirt, and same for people in west Hull.
"We are proud and everyone has pride in the jumper and respect for the passion of the game.
"It is not just about the two points. It is a very intense game and form does go out of the window. The meaning of this game for me is it is a big game, an important game for a lot of people."
Some players may preach it is just two points, not so for O'Meley.
Heading back to Australia at the end of the season and calling time on a stellar career, the former Test star plays down any talk of his final derby at the KC having any extra special meaning.
Instead he's eager to talk about preparation.
Having revealed earlier in the season his own rituals for preparing for games, which start days in advance, it's clear O'Meley is already in the zone with no time for banter and many questions given short shrift.
Focus, the Aussie explains, is key.
"It is derby week, everyone talks about it, it's not something that is quiet around the place. You have to be focused and prepare, you cannot just turn up and get through it, you have to prepare," he adds.
"KR are in great form, they've got the best half-back in the competition, two big back rowers in good form and they've been playing some really good rugby. We need to be focused and be prepared.
"We see a team full of confidence and in good form, for us, it is a simple game. We need to prepare, do our homework and be ready at 2.45pm.
"We cannot think just because it is a derby we'll be up for it and play well, we need to prepare properly and be ready for a tough game."
Sitting behind Rovers in the league table and with only six points to their name so far, Hull, it could be argued, need a win more than their rivals.
"Every two points is important," is O'Meley's response. "We have played eight games and have six points.
"We haven't capitalised on 10 points already and they were just as important. We prepare and go in each week wanting to win. We are a shade off winning and a shade off losing, so we are not far off. We just need to get through this period."
With today's derby followed by a trip to Wakefield on Monday and then the visit of Catalan to the KC six days later it's a tough period, if Hull don't rediscover their form. O'Meley, though, only has KR in mind.
"We had a little taste in the trial game. They came out all guns blazing, we used a lot of players that day, but they played really well," he said.
"It's pretty basic on our front, we have to be prepared and ready.
"The teams that complete are key. They have a great kicking game, they keep you down your end and there will be tough periods of the game.
"You have to persist and fight your way out of it, it will show the character of our team.
"I'm not going to give too much away, it all comes down to your head space on game day."
