TACTICS – and an understanding of the importance of the occasion – are always key on derby day.
Still to this day, I get hairs on my neck standing up imagining the atmosphere at the KC Stadium.
The players who have yet to experience a proper derby will be taken aback by the sheer significance of this occasion.
In my opinion, the players who have experienced derby day, especially the local kids, should take over team meetings when discussing the derby.
They should be encouraged to speak openly, honestly and passionately about the meaning of the game coming up.
"This is not just another game, this game is by no means just another two points, it's lifelong, will be remembered forever, for any number of reasons.
"Create a place in history, be a significant part of the history of Hull derby day, and be that player who everyone remembers."
This was my message before the first Super League derby in 2007, and remained my focus on derby week, every game thereafter.
They were my words in derby meetings, and my way of letting every player know how important this game was (well apart from the intoxicated one at Hull KR which I so badly let myself down in!).
Players who want to know what it feels like to play in a derby and know what it means to play in such an esteemed game should ask a local kid.
To them it is easily the most important of the season, regardless of the rubbish public talk which every player has to come out with about it being just two points.
The two most significant derby memories for me were the first in Super League – when I was a part of a Hull side which won 22-14, and then later that season when Rovers hammered Hull 42-6 at the KC, by which time I was in the Red and White of KR.
For the first, we planned for the clash throughout my six-week injury absence.
Peter Sharp had cut the team back to basics but, having spoken at length about the derby, I was assured that I could slot back in with a free rein of being able to play whatever plays I wanted, whenever I wanted.
It was music to my ears and Sharp let me go out there and simply play, and help Hull to the win.
For the annihilation of FC, ensuring Rovers' Super League survival, coach Justin Morgan came up with the best game-plan in his time at the club.
He targeted Willie Manu, Richard Horne and Kirk Yeaman all day, as well as always kicking behind Gareth Raynor.
The aim was to tackle him on the first tackle, knowing he never gets involved twice in a set from my days with Hull, and that eliminated his cross-field dummy half runs which were so dangerous.
Those tactics took Hull's most threatening players out of the game, and I and James Webster, who was easily man of the match, had room to control the game.
