I grew up a Robin, but I’m proud to pull on FC shirt

LAIDLAW RELISHING LATEST CROSS-CITY CLASH

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Hull FC prop Matty Laidlaw grew up in the city of Hull as a Robin, but he'll do everything he can to stop Hull KR from winning another derby on Sunday afternoon.

The 21-year-old middle has been a reliable unit of John Cartwright’s squad in recent weeks, coming into the side and earning praise from his head coach.

In fact, Laidlaw has appeared seven times for Hull this season and is set to keep his place for the 249th derby at Craven Park - his first meeting against Rovers since his first-team debut over 1,000 days ago.

That day, Laidlaw was part of a Hull side featuring four other debutants as FC were 34-28 winners over Rovers at the 2022 Magic Weekend, with Charlie Severs and three loan players in Jack Walker, Josh Simm, and Ellis Longstaff all running out for the first time.

And now, three years later, Hull are similarly depleted in numbers, but Laidlaw, who is set to make his 21st appearance for the Black and Whites, insists they’re still confident they can turn up with the right attitude and application and do a job.