PETER Gentle and Craig Sandercock are both confident the white-hot atmosphere of a Good Friday derby will bring the best out of their sides this afternoon.
The first clash of the season between the two sides is always eagerly awaited – and on this occasion it is the Robins who enter the contest with their tails up.
Boasting three wins in their last four games, Sandercock's men sit two points above their hosts and the Aussie coach will call on his troops to draw inspiration from their passionate fans.
KR will again be backed by a big following at the KC, having sold out their North Stand allocation and taken many seats in the West Stand, and Sandercock says that will be a big boost to his side as they look to extend the gap to four points.
"The main thing I learned from last season's derby is the passion from our wonderful supporters. The boys get inspired by that and we need to draw on that and use it as inspiration," Sandercock told the Mail.
"It's a wonderful occasion and we want to put in a good performance for our loyal fans.
"It's the one game where our players need to put in a performance for the supporters, not for them, nor their families.
"Whether it's Craven Park or anywhere else, seeing our fans in the stands in inspiring and humbling too. We want to do our best for them."
For Hull FC coach Gentle, the derby comes as his side continues to struggle for early-season from.
But with just one win in the last six, he is hoping the occasion can lift his side and bring out a display he knows they are capable of.
"It is derby week so the boys are all jumping out of their skin," Gentle said when asked about the spirit in camp.
"We are in good shape. We've had a couple of days off to freshen up and the boys are very positive.
"Form guides are thrown out the window this week. It is a special game and you feel that in the camp.
"Straight after the London game last week, on the bus on the way back, we stopped for a chat and you could feel it then.
"It is a special day for the city. It doesn't matter what you have done coming into the game, or where you lay in the table, it is a tough game.
"We don't have to get the players up for derby week.There's no extra pressure. We just want to win this game.
"We are up against the best attacking side in the competition so our defence will be put to the test.
"If we can hold out it will give us a lot of confidence in our attack. I'm confident we will put on a good show."
