14 February 2024 , 19:49
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Tony Smith can’t bear to even think about another humiliating derby nightmare as Hull bid to kick-off Super League in style.
The Airlie Birds boss was left helpless as his abject side were embarrassed 40-0 at home by city rivals Hull KR last Good Friday. But they are back at the MKM Stadium facing Rovers in Thursday's big season opener vowing not to let history repeat itself. Smith recalled: “It was humiliating. It was one of those days you hate having to live through.
“But you experience it, learn from it and you have to front up to it. You hope you never have to relive that again and hope you’re able to get in a position to make a change for next time. Fortunately, we did. We were able to go over to our opponents’ patch [last July] and reverse the result. But we couldn’t reverse the result here. We had to live that. We certainly don’t want to see that again.”
Yet Hull fans were given a timely reminder of it when they were thrashed 40-0 by Wigan in their final pre-season friendly, increasing fears they could be in for another difficult campaign. They face a huge test tomorrow against KR who have strengthened with key signings like Kiwi star Peta Hiku and NRL Grand Final winner Tyrone May.
But ex-Rovers chief Smith knows all about the derby and is relishing the chance to impress in Super League’s opening bash. New signings Fa’amanu Brown, Herman Ese’ese, Franklin Pele, Jayden Okunbor, Jack Ashworth and Morgan Smith are all set to feature and Jack Walker is ready for his 'second' debut for the club after rejoining from Rovers.
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Around 19,000 fans will descend on MKM Stadium in what is set to be Super League's biggest opening night attendance in 17 years. Smith said: “It’s great for the city. It’s been well-supported not just by ticket sales but people within our sport. It’s captured everybody’s attention. We’re starting the season with a bang.”
Rovers boss Willie Peters believes his side will rise to the occasion. He said: “Round one is always an important game and this - being the derby - gives it even more importance in terms of the occasion. It’s pretty much a sell-out and as players you want to play in the big games. As a coach I love being part of it.
Hull KR head Coach Willie Peters (PA)"There’s no better way to start the season. There’s going to be a semi-final style atmosphere so it’s a great way to start the year. And a privilege. Everyone will be watching us.”
While Hull slumped badly last year, failing to make the play-offs, Rovers thrived, finishing fourth and making the Challenge Cup final. That has raised expectations for 2024 and Peters has made some ruthless calls with both his playing squad and coaching staff.
But the Aussie insisted: “There’s decisions you have to make which are part of the job. Whether it’s right or wrong, you have to have reasons why you make certain decisions.
“And be strong in terms of what your beliefs are and where you want to go. It’s a job where you’re not always going to be well-liked. If you’re in it for that, you’re in the wrong industry. I like to think I have a lot of strong relationships with people in the club but part of the job is making decisions based on what’s best for the club and the future. I can’t say where we’re at yet; you won’t know until you play. But we’ll know more about this team after a few weeks.”