Hull derby kicks off super league season
FC host KR this evening
The spotlight of the sporting world will be on Hull tonight as the opening match of the new super league season see rivals FC and KR face off against each other
A bumper crowd's expected for the derby with over 7 and a half thousand tickets sold.
It's likely to be the biggest opening attendance for any game in the competition since the noughties as well as FC's biggest crowd of the super league era.
Last year was encouraging for KR after they made the play off semis and of course the Challenge Cup Final.
However it was actually the black and whites who won the last derby.
To have it at our place in front of a packed house is really special
We spoke to two of the players hoping to secure a victory tonight.
FC captain Danny Houghton was born in Hull and is delighted to be captain.
He told us: "Really chuffed and honoured to lead this team out - something I'm pretty proud of ."
"I've always followed the club, always been a big part of me and my family so to walk them out again is something I hold in high regard."
"Other than the challenge cup final and grand finals I don't think there's any other bigger game we can play in - to have it round one at our place in front of a packed house is going to be another special night and hopefully we can make it even more special by getting over the line and getting that win."
It's huge for both sides of the city
Meanwhile we also had a word with Rovers player Mikey Lewis.
He told us: "It means everything - it means everything for the club - for the fans."
"Starting from the kit man to the cleaner - the board - everyone working around the club."
"If you lose a derby it can ruin someone's week and if you win the banter's flowing - you're really enjoying it so it's huge for both sides of the city and it's going to be a massive occasion."
Both sides will be desperate to get off to the perfect start - let the season begin.