Horne - No divided loyalties

The 26-year-old is the latest player to cross the great divide, having joined Hull KR from Huddersfield in the close season, and insists there will be no divided loyalties, despite making 123 appearances for the Black and Whites from 2003-09.

"People ask me about that but it's like anybody who changes their job," he said. "I've got to make sure that I do the best for this team and I will do that.

"I'm thoroughly enjoying my time here. The lads are great, it's been good so far."

Stranger

Horne is no stranger to Hull derbies but it will be the first one in which he will face older brother Richard, who has been playing for the Black and Whites since 1999, and he knows the importance of the occasion, even in a friendly.

"The fans want all the bragging rights for the first game," he said. "I've been on the other side and Rovers' fans have been really loud. I'm looking to getting on this side of it."

Horne is delighted to be nearer home, having made the daily trip to Huddersfield for the last two seasons, and is hoping to settle into one of his preferred positions with the Robins.

The Giants made full use of the player's versatility, switching him from centre one week to the front row of the pack for their next match, and Horne has mixed views on the subject.

"It's not the best tag to have but on the other hand it gets you in the team sometimes," he said.

"I don't want to be used here, there and everywhere. I've trained at centre and back row so I reckon probably either of those two positions, unless there are freak injuries and we lose all three props!"

New Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock will be fielding his full-strength team in the club's last run-out before their Super League opener against Leeds on February 3.

His main objective will be to unearth a stand-off replacement for the unfortunate Blake Green, who is facing a lengthy lay-off after discovering a blood clot in his calf.

Guaranteed

"It will be reasonably close to the side we'll put on the park in round one," said Sandercock, the former Newcastle Knights assistant who is relishing the prospect of his first Hull derby.

"Basically the back line picks itself, obviously apart from the stand-off position.

"The only guaranteed starting spot in the pack is Benny Galea, but the way Josh Hodgson performed at the weekend, we'll have to find a place in the 17 for him.

"This week will answer a few questions.

"Everyone in east Hull, all they talk about is the derby. Even though there are not two points are up for stake, we're going out to win this game of football."