Super League: In-form Hull FC meet Hull KR on derby day

Hull FC are 11/10 with Coral to beat fierce cross-city rivals Hull KR and coach Lee Radford has backed his side’s pack to dominate the Robins, despite not being able to overturn prop Mickey Paea’s two-match ban.

“I’m very disappointed but we have to move forward and get on with it,” Radford revealed. “It’s a shame for Mickey [Paea] but I have faith in the blokes in the middle that we can do another job without him.

“The blokes who killed it against Castleford will have to repeat that. Gareth [Ellis] picked up a back injury last Friday but hopefully he will be back tomorrow,” continued Radford. “Mark [Minichiello] and Gareth [Ellis] are in contention for tomorrow. Regardless of their situations, we need to dominate in the forwards again like we did on Sunday.”

Following their 21-18 victory over Castleford Tigers last time out, the Airlie Birds come into this match in good form and will be boosted in confidence by the fact that they beat their opponents 46-20 last time out at the Magic Weekend.

In that match, Fetuli Talanoa crossed for a hat-trick and the powerhouse is 5/4 in the anytime market to do so again. Meanwhile, top scorer Tom Lineham scored twice against the Tigers and is priced at 8/1 to do so first.

For the home side, their chances of a win will likely depend on how influential Albert Kelly is allowed to be. Their chief string puller is 6/5 in the anytime market and scored twice last time out in the 31-18 defeat away to Salford Red Devils.

If Ben Cockayne misses out through an ankle injury, Kieran Dixon could come in and is odds-on at 10/11 in the anytime market.

Coach Chris Chester is confident he can make the requisite impact: “Kieran is in contention to play tomorrow. He played very well against Warrington and not so good against Salford. I spoke to him about consistency, and he’s worked hard in training over the last few weeks,” said Chester.

“He’s kept his head down and done lots of extras, and he’ll play some part. He’s an exciting talent with the ball and in defence I think he’s got a whole lot better. It’s a confidence thing with Kieran. We wanted to save him for this game and he’ll play a big part tomorrow.”

Coral recommended tip: Albert Kelly anytime scorer @ 6/5