Taylor relishing prospect of Hull derby with big crowd

It’s derby week in the City of Hull, and one man who needs no introduction to this fixture is Hull FC’s, Scott Taylor.

The Black and Whites prop has featured in this big occasion many times for FC in the past six years and also when he donned the Red and White of KR a decade ago.

Returning to the side

Taylor made his return to Brett Hodgson’s side in last week’s defeat at league leaders Catalan Dragons, but was delighted to be back on the pitch after around 15 weeks away and feels like it benefits him going into Saturday’s grudge match.

“To be honest, I didn’t want to go into a derby with that sort of atmosphere and passion with no minutes under my belt in four months. We were a bit short and I felt good, so I thought lets crack on and get as many minutes under my belt.

“It was frustrating because I know a fully-fit me would play more minutes and influence the game a bit more, but I’ve got to be patient.

“We went there, and everyone gave their all. Even though it was my first game back, I was going to play.

“It just happened to be Catalan away, I’m sure they’re happy we played that game. We’re proud of the performance we put in and I think it will put us in good stead for the derby.”

The Build-Up

Taylor wasn’t slow to throw out some classic lines ahead of Saturday’s encounter.

“They’re playing well but we all know the old cliché – you hear it a million times- form does go out of the window.

“We’ve gone into derbies the past few years being ahead of them in the table, playing unbelievable and it’s been tight as anything.

“We’re happy where were at, with a few bodies back as well. It’s going to be a tasty game on Saturday. A good old fashioned derby with a big crowd.

When asked about the threat Hull KR pose to this FC side, the 30-year old quickly complimented the oppositions’ style of rugby and the key players they have in their armoury.

“The backfield are doing well for them. Shaun Kenny-Dowell and Ryan Hall are playing well. They generate some quick rucks with the likes of Jez Litten and Matt Parcell. They’ve got some good offloads as well.

“They play a good brand of rugby, you can see in videos that they defend well at times as well.

“They are a team in form, we need to start fast and strong.

“Yes it’s a derby, yes it’s emotional, but there’s an end goal of winning the game and we need to stick to the game plan.”

He also stressed how important it is that the side play the game rather than the occasion but believes the experience some players have and the number of local players will influence that in a positive way.

“It’s a big occasion, but we’ve got quite a few players in this team who’ve been a part of a lot of derby wins. We know what it takes to win one and that it’s about putting the emotion to the side.

“I think it’ll help. We know what the build-up should be like as well as keeping grounded and knowing the game plan.

“KR are playing well, so we’ll have to be strong defensively and put some points on the board.

“It’s about treating it as another game, but also making the lads who haven’t played in it or aren’t Hull lads, just how important it is to the club and the city in general and I feel like I’m very experienced on that front.”

Taylor also touched on how Head Coach Brett Hodgson is learning the importance of the fixture so far this week.

“He knows what it’s like to play in big games, even though he’s not been involved in a Hull derby yet.

“He’ll get a feel for it on Saturday. You can see already that the fans, the players and the staff creating the hype that has already rubbed off on him.

“He’s also quite level headed, so he’s the right man in charge for a week like this as he knows what it will take to win the game.”

The Occasion

Taylor was involved in the last derby in an empty Totally Wicked Stadium in October, and despite an FC victory that night, he said it felt “bittersweet” due to the empty stadium and location, but can’t wait for the fans to play their part at the MKM Stadium this weekend.

“No derby should’ve been played at St Helens! It was frustrating for us as players having to travel there, but we did it.

“Obviously it’s back to old ways this Saturday, and everyone’s buzzing about that.

“More so even me, as it’s the first time I’ll be playing in front of fans properly again.”

The 30-year old believes that it is important that both sides are at the top of the game, as well as referencing the banter and hatred that goes between the sets of supporters;

“You’re always hearing noise from that side of that city – they’ve got a bit more ammo now and they’re finally able to give a bit back now.

“It’s good for the city, I was absolutely gutted when KR went down a few years ago and we want derbies to happen.

“We want Hull FC and Hull KR at the top battling – to see both teams doing really well all that is going to do is get kids on the street playing rugby league and we need that to happen.

“I am a big Hull FC fan and it means everything to me.”

With having fans back in the MKM for such a momentous fixture, Taylor also believes a knock-on effect can be generated from this game.

“Amateur levels are really struggling, especially in our city when it shouldn’t be.

“To see both clubs doing well, this will encourage more kids to pick up a rugby ball on the street and pretend that they’re playing in a derby.

“They’ll go to the MKM on Saturday and think “Wow, I want to do that when I’m older” and that’s what I thought when I went as a fan to the MKM and Boulevard.”

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