Hull FC v Hull KR: City rivals set for first Challenge Cup game in 39 years

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has said that his side face a “daunting task” in their Challenge Cup quarter-final against city rivals Hull KR.

Willie Peters’ side have won all eight of their matches in all competitions this season and are top of Super League, while Cartwright’s men are second in the top flight with four wins from their opening six games.

Saturday’s tie, the first time the rivals have met in this competition for 39 years, will be broadcast on BBC One with a 14:30 BST kick-off.

“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,” Cartwright told BBC Radio Humberside.

“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.”

Cartwright has overseen a tremendous turnaround in the club’s fortunes since taking over in the off-season after four years as Brisbane Broncos assistant.

The Black and Whites have already won more games in Super League this season than they managed in the whole of their dire 2024 campaign.

The Australian has said his side, who fought back from 22-6 down to beat Wigan 26-22 in the previous round, are benefitting from adding steel to their performances.

“We didn’t go in setting goals or with expectations,” he said.

“We’re a whole brand new side and club, it was just about going out and being competitive and not giving up until the end. I think if you do that then you’ll be involved in winning most games.”