Hull FC V Hull Kr: City Rivals for the first Challenge Cup match in 39 years

Hull FC coach John Cartwright said that his team faces a “discouraging task” in their quarter -finals of Challenge Cup against the rivals of the city Hull Kr.

Willie Peters’ team has won all eight their games in all competitions this season and are at the top of the Super League, while Cartwright men are second in the highest flight with four victories from their six opening games.

Saturday’s draw, the first time the rivals met in this competition for 39 years, will be broadcast on BBC One with a kick -off of 2:30 BST.

“I am a hot side. It’s not just what they did this year, it is what they have been able to do in the last three years when Willie has been there. They are probably the strongest they have been,” Cartwright told BBC Radio Humberside.

“It is a discouraging task and they will be the favorites at prices at prices that I imagine, but when you come across that strip and it is two passionate teams that go to each other, then the favorites come out of the window.”

Cartwright has supervised a huge turnaround in the club’s fortunes since she took over in low season after four years as a Brisbane Broncos assistant.

The Black and whites have already won more games in Super League this season of how much they have not succeeded in all their terrible 2024 campaign.

The Australian said that his team, which reacted from 22-6 down to beat Wigan 26-22 in the previous round, is benefiting from the addition of steel to their performances.

“We didn’t go to set goals or with expectations,” he said.

“We are a side and a brand new club, it was just about going out and being competitive and not giving up until the end. I think if you do, you will be involved in most games.”