King rules: Winning both Good Friday derbies

Drew Darbyshire
Toby King and George King

Photos: News Images and SWpix

It was derby delight for the King family as brothers Toby King (Wigan) and George King (Hull KR) both tasted Good Friday victories.

In the early kick-off at the MKM Stadium, Ireland captain George King helped his Hull KR side thrash rivals Hull FC 40-0.

And in the 3pm kick-off, Toby King scored a try to inspire Wigan to a 14-6 win over St Helens, the club’s first Good Friday win since 2017.

“The family were torn apart about which one to go to,” Toby said with a smile on his face after the game.

“We’d have rather them been on separate days but my dad managed to come over (to Wigan).

“He was watching it (the Hull derby) in the car on the way to the stadium and I think he managed to watch it in the fan village, but he said George had a good game as well so its a happy day for the family.”

Toby King on “incredible” Good Friday derby

The Ireland international experienced his first Wigan-Saints derby, and he wasn’t disappointed, with more than 24,000 in attendance at the DW Stadium.

He said: “When you watch it on TV you think its class but when you actually play in it was incredible.

“To be in an atmosphere like that… Right from the beginning, the build up to it, it was just a special week.

“I was asking a few of the lads what it was like and I think this was even more special. It was the biggest crowd in 18 years so for us to win that was a really good feeling. You’ve got to remember these moments and enjoy them because there’s always bad times in sport as well so moments like these, you have to enjoy them.

“Fair play to both sets of fans, I think thats what made it a massive atmosphere. Wigan have a massive following so it was class to give them the win. We wanted to give them the bragging rights.”

Hailed by Wigan boss Matt Peet

Speaking in his post-match press conference after the game, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised King for his commitment since joining the club on a season-long loan from Warrington in the off-season.

Peet said: “I’d like to put on record how hard Toby has worked behind the scenes in pre-season since he has joined the club.

“He committed himself, he came in earlier than he needed to and has been outstanding in all our fitness work.

“He shocked everyone really with his application and professionalism so it’s great to see him get his rewards – not just today, he’s been playing well under the radar for a while which I think is purely testament to his hard work.”

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Super League George King

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