LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Hull FC head coach John Cartwright acknowledges the daunting task ahead as his team prepares to face city rivals Hull KR in the Challenge Cup quarter-final.
Hull KR, led by Willie Peters, are in exceptional form, having won all eight of their matches this season and currently sitting at the top of the Super League.
In contrast, Cartwright's side is in second place with four wins from six games.
The match, set to be broadcast on BBC One, marks the first time the two rivals have met in this competition in nearly four decades.
Cartwright recognizes the strength of Hull KR, stating, "They're a red-hot side.
It's not only what they've done this year, it's what they've been able to do in the past three years when Willie has been there.
They're probably the strongest they've been." Despite Hull KR being likely favorites, Cartwright believes that when it comes to the rivalry between the two passionate teams, form and favorites become irrelevant.
He notes, "It's a daunting task and they'll be short-priced favourites I'd imagine but when you run across that stripe and it's two passionate teams going at one another then favourites go out the window."
The upcoming derby promises to be a fiercely competitive match, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
As the two sides prepare to face off, the historical significance of this encounter adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the clash.
Cartwright's acknowledgment of the challenge ahead and the unpredictable nature of derby matches emphasizes the intensity and unpredictability that fans can expect when these two fierce rivals meet on the field.