Ok so its ONLY a friendly as everyone keeps saying but it’s a chance for both clubs to try a few new things and have a look at the new signings, what are everyone’s thoughts on the score line? I think it will be an open and high scoring game and will go for 38-28 to Rovers.

I think Hull will edge it, we may start with a strong (ish) line up but reckon a lot of squad players will get a run out at some point.

They will want the result more than us due to their poor season and new recruitment and think that may just tip the balance.

Personally I'd settle for a good open game, no injuries and the odd moment of great play.

I think both teams will play for the win as it is a local Derby.

KR 12 FC 22

Expect the atmosphere to be great and hope all enjoy the day.

I'm pretty sure Rovers are using this game purely as a warm up and would expect them to utilise pretty much all of their first team squad and some part timers as well. Unlimited interchanges will be the order of the day and there could even be a different line up in each half. Same applies to Hull.

The only result that matters to both sides is that their key first teamers stay injury free whilst getting a worthwhile hit up.

Absolutely - the important thing for pre-season is that team ends it fitter than they start it. Good run out, clearing the cobwebs and recognition for Horne are all more important than the result, IMO. Be interesting to see the starting 13, even if there are a lot of interchanges later on. I guess the squad numbers will finally be revealed as well.

Don't disagree with that, just think if its close FC will push that bit harder.

If we lose no one will be too put out, (would rather win obviously)
If FC lose then it would be seen as a major blow to their preseason and may cause some unrest in the fanbase.

the FC fans i work with are making out like its the CC final lol, i have to keep reminding them its only a friendly...

You think? Unless it was a [ireally[/i lacklustre performance that brought back the ghosts of 2008-9, I think they'd write it off as just a friendly - and rightly so tbh.

If they then started the season badly as well, it might leave Agar with a little less time to turn it around, maybe.

I just think after the previous 2 seasons that their fanbase is pretty fragile, if you read their board (I know its only a minority) they have hyped up the team so much in the off season that it wouldn't take a lot to bring the house of cards down and they will fall directly on Agar.

I'm not saying this game will have any bearing on the season proper, and to be fair to FC with the turnaround of staff over the close season they will do well to hit the ground running.

10-5 to fc

6-42 to Rovers

Given the respective make-up of the 2 squads that will take to the field on sunday a robins win is highly unlikely. Long term though, the experience that the young lads will gain from playing against a Super League side infront of a big crowd will stand them in good stead.
If our kids do pull off a shock the pressure will be straight on Agars shoulders.

TBF, it is their cup final. They have lost that many times in the real derbies since we gained promotion to Super League, their fans are desperate to see them win....any win. Nine pages on their own board shows how desperate

you do realise there is a ten page thread on this very forum?

I think its the case that both sets of fans have been starved of Rugby for so long that everyone is getting excited for the game onn sunday, and rightly so. it's been a long off season.

Concerning predictions for the derby friendly. Please link.

You are Cheeky Charlie and I claim my £5

where is the 9 page thread specifically for friendly derby predictions on our page I@m struggling to find it?

I agree with Mild Rover the majority will view it for what it is a hit out and not take too much form it, the hype surronds the fact that it is a Derby and as we know there is nothing friendly about these events, both teams will play for the win.

I do disagree that our fanbase is pretty fragile, we have sold more season passes and we have stuck together through 2 seasons of poo..If things do not go well I suspect our fans may want Agar out, however that will be dealt with if it has to be.

Are the squads out?

Having read the LE this week it seems you will be full strenght apart from Fox and Vella, Hull the same except Berrigan and Burnett.

A win wouldnt do any harm for either team, a loss wouldnt be devestating either. No injuries, a good run out and decent crowd would be great.

Cant see this putting any pressure on Agar, it's a friendly and against a team that finished 4th last year in SL. The pressure will begin when SL starts.

For this one, I don't care, its a warm up game and will have no bearing on the season. The ones I do care about are the real two during the season, which i will go into mega-sulk if we lose them.

I didn't mean fragile in terms of voting with feet and not going, I was more implying that if Rovers beat Hull by a reasonable margin the FC fans may see this as a sign of things to come and not be realistic about a high turn over of staff, early season rustiness etc and get straight onto the Agar out wagon .. I think it would be similar if Hull win by a reasonable margin, a lot of FC fans would see this as a sign of heading to old trafford.

Whats wrong with Vella??

ive got some tissues ready for you...