Hull FC vs Hull KR Prediction: Lewis Martin should score in an unpredictable derby

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Hull FC vs Hull KR Odds

Rovers are Betfred's favourites at 4/9, with the Airlie Birds 2/1.  You can back the draw in 80 minutes at 16/1.

Team News

The key team news surrounds star man Mikey Lewis, with the Rovers magician banned for four matches following two incidents in the defeat at Warrington on Saturday afternoon that saw Rovers slip out of the play-off places.

Lewis is replaced in the squad by Jack Charles, who could make his Super League debut for the Robins against his old club, while Peta Hiku is back from suspension to replace Noah Booth, who must observe concussion protocols.

There was no Joe Burgess or Jai Whitbread at Warrington, but both are named again in the initial squad where the chances of returning will have substantially increased.

Hull FC welcome back their top tryscorer from last season, Lewis Martin, after concussion protocols. He replaces youngster Ben Johnson.

The other change to the squad beaten by Leigh at the weekend is the return of Max Wood on loan from Warrington. The young forward comes in for Yusuf Aydin, who suffered a head knock against the Leopards.

Handicap 3-Way: Hull KR -8 @ 21/20

This feels like must-win for both teams, even though only Rovers have anything to play for.

Dropping out of the top six will have stung Willie Peters' side, who we backed to edge to victory at Warrington. Instead, they produced a frighteningly flat performance to lose comfortably against the energetic Wolves. It is one win in four now for the Robins, and back-to-back defeats since the last derby at Magic Weekend.

Hull FC, meanwhile, only got going after half-time at home to Leigh, somewhat salvaging pride from a 28-0 deficit but ultimately losing out 32-22 to stay second bottom of the table.

These are two out-of-form sides with bruised egos, which could give us an explosive contest.

The stats favour Rovers, even though the form is equally as bad. KR have won their last six away games at their great rivals, with the Black and Whites' last home derby win coming by a single point way back in 2021. So you could argue they are due one.

The most recent meeting, of course, came at Magic where Rovers won 26-12 earlier this month, while the game at Sewell Group Craven Park in April saw a 24-6 Rovers win.

I could go either way in this one in truth. If FC score first, have Martin back in the team and get the crowd behind them, then I can see Rovers struggling without Lewis pulling the strings, albeit he was poor last week.

FC found some real fight in the second half against Leigh but were atrocious before half-time. It feels hard to predict which version of either side will turn up.

Rovers are operating with largely the same personnel as last season but have somehow lost their fight and desire in my eyes. Whether that is simply down to the head coach leaving and a new man coming in at the end of the season, only the players will know. But fans would have expected far more than they have seen so far.

FC, meanwhile, have been a shambles. And the long statement from the owners this week was an interesting read, highlighting plenty of reasons for it without wanting to make excuses.

The early handicap gives the home side an eight-point start, which is tempting, but the fact remains that FC have won just one of their last seven games.

Rovers may be off-colour in 2026 but they still have a lot to play for in securing that play-off spot that is currently just out of their grasp, so a performance and victory in this one feels mandatory.

I think the visitors will ride the storm and find a way but this is not the kind of game I would be backing either side with confidence.