Cator keen to earn local bragging rights

Nothing quite divides the City of Hull like a local derby. The fierce rivalry between Hull FC and Hull KR manifests itself across the city – friends become enemies for 80 minutes as the two teams head into battle.

Following the imminent return of fans to stadiums earlier in the season, the two Hull sides prepare to go head to head with a crowd in attendance for the first time in 18 months. The narrative for this clash, however, is firmly focused on both teams pursuit of a Play-Off position. 

Hull KR currently occupy fifth place in Betfred Super League and head into the derby fresh from victory against 2020 League Leaders Wigan. The Robins are in the driving seat for a Play-Off spot with just six rounds left in the regular season. 

In contrast, inconsistency has been the only consistent at Hull FC this year - the Black & Whites have struggled to piece together a consistent run of games on the pitch, as well as having Covid-19 issues off it. They now sit outside the top six after losing their last four as they look to bounce back against the Robins. 

Regardless of recent form, the mood in the FC camp hasn't faltered. Joe Cator, who recently signed a new contract extension at the club he supported as a youngster, insists the Black & Whites focus remains on finishing the year in the Play-Offs - starting with a must-win game against Hull KR. 

He explained: “It’s been a funny old year. We’ve been hit with a couple of hard fixtures coming off the back of Covid - that’s probably come at a bad time. But we can’t complain or grumble, that’s done now. We’ve got to look forward – our priority now is cementing a top 6 spot.

“We’d be playing it down if we said this game wasn’t important. The aim is to play well, and the result will take care of itself. We know it’s a massive game for us. 

“It gives it something more to the game than just being a derby. Both teams need this win - it’s vital for more reasons than one. We know we need to perform. We can’t be off for this game; we need to turn up with the right attitude.??

Cator's first taste of a Hull derby was in Red & White for Hull KR - a contrast of emotions for the lifelong Hull FC fan, playing against and beating the team he supported as a child.

Now, he has the chance to represent his home-town team in front of a bumper crowd at the MKM Stadium. As a fan, Cator knows all about the electric atmosphere of a Hull derby. And as a player, he can't wait to experience it again.

“I’m buzzing for it - I can’t wait to walk out and get on the field. It’s a different level at a derby. You can’t hear yourself think.

“It’s one of those games that you don’t grasp until you play in it. Or if you’re a fan, you won’t understand until you’ve been there. It’s just electric and totally different to any normal Super League game. 

“Being a local lad myself, it’s one you look for in the calendar. It’s one you get excited for, being in a packed out stadium. The atmosphere is electric from both sides. It’s definitely one you don’t want to miss as a player or a fan. 

"To be able to get a chance to walk out wearing the right colours this time, it’s going to be special.??

Discussing what a win would do for the fans and players, he added: “It’s important to win for the team and important for the fans. We’ve been through a bad spell and the fans haven’t had a lot to cheer about lately. 

“Winning this one gives us a confidence boost going into the final rounds and also gives the fans something to cheer about. It’s what they deserve – they pay their hard-earned money to come watch us so it’s only right that we put on a show for them and make it worthwhile.

“We need to put our best foot forward and have a go at this one because there’s no second chances.??