Hull KR back rower forward Neville Costigan is better prepared for the physical and mental demands of today's derby after admitting the magnitude of the game caught him by surprise.
Despite being versed by his team-mates and close friend Stanley Gene as to what to expect from the game, the vastly-experienced forward says it still took playing in the match to appreciate just how draining it is.
Costigan, who has played six State of Origin games for an all-conquering Queensland side between 2007 and 2010, says his first derby experience left him as drained as he felt following those matches in Australia.
"The physicality of the derby was right up there with the Origin games," Costigan told the Mail.
"It's the toughest match I've played since coming over here.
"Physically and mentally, it drains you for every second of the 80 minutes. It was everything I thought it would be and more.
"There were just over 10,000 supporters in our ground but I couldn't hear myself think throughout.
"Those are the matches I love to play in and I think the crowd loved it too.
"We only won by a point but it was awesome at the end.
"I loved it and this second derby couldn't come around soon enough for me. The KC Stadium derby at the end of August will be special and the crowd will be amazing."
Costigan has emerged as one of Rovers' in-form and most important players in recent weeks.
Finally showing the form that saw him called up for State of Origin duty alongside the likes of Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston, it took him a while to find his feet after representing Papua New Guinea in the World Cup.
Having got to grips with Super League, he's determined to keep his form going, especially against the cross-city rivals today.
"I feel a lot better on the field," added Costigan.
"I've been pretty happy with my own form lately and I'm determined to keep that going.
"A three-week pre-season didn't help me but I'm eating a lot better and trying to get more minutes on the pitch every week."
As for the Magic weekend concept, he's a big fan of it and Costigan feels the NRL could benefit from something similar.
"The Magic weekend is good for the game here," Costigan said.
"They should have something like that in Australia."
