Magic Weekend: Josh Hodgson's family have divided loyalties for derby

THERE are not too many people who have switched their allegiances from the black and white of Hull FC to the red and white of Rovers (or vice versa) without taking a bit of stick.

Once you've nailed your colours to the mast, that's it for the rest of your life. Or at least that's what some fans think.

But as the parents of Josh Hodgson make their way to Manchester for today's derby, Nikki and Dave can be forgiven for making the Robin their bird of choice rather than the Airlie bird.

Growing up in Hull and signing for FC as a teenager, supporting the Black and Whites was the obvious choice for Hodgson. Until he signed for Rovers, that is.

However, the 23-year-old appreciates the massive decision his parents have made by moving their backing from west to east.

"My parents and most of my family have switched the team they support," he told the Mail.

"My brother Richard and uncle John haven't, though, and they still follow Hull.

"My parents have always rooted for me no matter who I have played for, so swapping sides was done for a good reason.

"Both my mum and dad will be there supporting Rovers and making a day of it."

With the added benefit of hindsight, moving from west to east could not have gone any better.

Since the switch, he has played for England Knights and was 18th man when England played the Exiles last summer, remaining in the thoughts of England coach Steve McNamara for the World Cup in October.

He has arguably been Rovers' best and most consistent player under Craig Sandercock and, having scored in KR's 23-10 derby win at the KC Stadium earlier in the season, Hodgson is keen to inflict further damage on his old team.

"Leaving Hull for Rovers was the best decision I have ever made," said Hodgson, who only played twice for Hull. "And most of my family agree.

"I don't think I would have played as many games as I have since joining Rovers.

"I've played in a few derbies for Rovers and you can see just how much it means to the people at this club.

"You can see what it means to Colin Hutton, who has been there and done it before.

"He would love to turn the clock back for one more chance.

"It's great to have that experience to call on."

If they want to repeat their derby success of earlier in the campaign, Hodgson knows Rovers are going to have to start well.

Hull have won seven of their last eight matches in all competitions, whilst the Robins have shown glimpses of what they can do in spells.

Their first-half performance in the defeat against Wigan was superb, as was their second-half showing in last week's victory over Wakefield.

Now, Hodgson hopes they can remain patient and make those two halves into a whole.

"We have to do the basics right and complete our sets," said Hodgson, when asked what was needed to win.

"Hull have had a few good wins lately so we know we have to start well.

"There is no need for us to push passes if they aren't on.

"We have to be patient and stick to the game plan given to us by Craig.

"If things don't go our way at the start, then we must not panic because it will come.

"In big games like this, the side which shows the greater patience normally wins.

"We have shown in parts what we are capable of.

"If we can keep hold of the ball when we have it, we should be okay."

In a game which is always packed full of emotion and usually errors, that may be easier said than done. But Hodgson believes the mentality instilled in the camp by Sandercock this week will pay dividends.

"Because this game is so emotional, there are a lot more nerves than in any other match," he added.

"It's the game everybody wants to play in because it is such a special day.

"Everybody is different, but we like to prepare by not doing anything too differently.

"Craig has carried on the same preparations as we had before in terms of he lets us prepare the same as we do normally.

"We can relax and socialise if we want to, without having to go to bed by a certain time. Hopefully, it will work to our advantage."