FC's passed test provides derby belief but fresh warning given

To say Hull FC's buzzword this week is composure would be an understatement. Preparing for the 248th derby meeting against Hull KR this Good Friday, with the winner topping the Super League table, they know that the team who settles and shows the cool heads first will likely win the game.

- By DAN TOMLINSON

That was the case for the Robins two weeks ago, who, after a scrappy, error-strewn start to the Challenge Cup tie, showed the necessary composure to take the lead and see the game out.

For John Cartwright, having that ice-cold mentality is key - with the head coach looking for a repeat of the first half of Hull's performance at Warrington last week, a game they got into their groove in early on before posting five first-half tries.

"We're trying to be more relaxed," Cartwright told Hull Live.

"I felt last time we just didn't go out there and play calmly, basically, but the first 40 minutes last week were the most cool and intense that I've seen from us.

"We'd love to be able to do more of that this week, but we've got to be mentally ready for the game, so we're focusing on us and trying to work on things where we can improve.

"In terms of preparation, it's nothing out of the ordinary. We're preparing as we would for a normal Super League game. The cup game was a knockout, and this is one of 27.