Rankin: Hull derby fiercer than Origin

Former Hull FC outside back Jordan Rankin says the Hull derby is more competitive and intense a rivalry than State of Origin.

Rankin, now with Wests Tigers in the NRL, spent two seasons with the Airle Birds from 2014-2015.

The 24-year old, who grow up on the Gold Coast, believes there is more hatred in the derby than in the annual Origin series between NSW and Queensland which startedin 1980.

“These guys hate each other more [than NSW and Queensland],” he told The Locker Room podcast.

“I’m not even kidding. You have 10-year olds spitting at the Hull FC supporters, throwing bottles, throwing glass. People have kids, but these kids know from when they’re born to hate them.

“They hate each other. It’s unbelievable. Playing in these derbies…winning these games means more to them than anything else.

“That’s what they want the whole year. It’s crazy, it was a different experience but it was unreal.”