Lewis Martin outlines Hull FC passion as young winger gears up for derby scalp

There are derbies, and then there is Hull and Rovers. Two teams. One city. It's unlike anything else in British rugby league.

For local Hull FC winger Lewis Martin, it's the fixture that you look to win at all costs, with pride, nerves and adrenaline all embedded into a cocktail of emotions. The Black and Whites flyer may only be 19 years of age, but he knows what it's all about.

He was first thrown into the cauldron in just his second first-grade game, lining up on Hull's left wing for the round one clash. Before that, came a try-scoring debut away at St Helens in the final game of last season.

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But this year has really seen Martin come on. He's added 14 further appearances to his name, and scored five more tries. He's earned his place in the Hull side on merit, one he is set to keep for Saturday's tie at the MKM Stadium.

"It's just a completely different atmosphere," Martin told Hull Live ahead of the clash. "The opener at the start of the season was only my second ever game in the first-team and I was playing in front of over 20,000 people. I've played in two this year now and it's electric from that first whistle.

"Of course, there are nerves when it comes to a derby, but there's also adrenaline. That's the big one, but you get that first carry in and it settles those nerves. It's hard to explain. That feeling when you walk out and hear the crowd, it just hits you. It's a great experience.

"It's always been a big occasion in the city. It's a fixture that you look out for and it's one you want to be involved in. It's one you never want to lose, you always want to win, but especially in the derby. Hopefully, we can put in a better performance this time round and give them a real go."

Rising in Hull's lineup this year, Martin hasn't looked back from that round one clash. He's missed just three games all season, named as the 18th man each time. He's been one of several young players to stamp their mark on the first-team, but in terms of continuity, he's leading the way.

For Martin, who prides his game on hard work, there is satisfaction, but there is also a hunger to improve, with a new two-year deal signed and sealed earlier this year.

"I love it here," Martin continued. "If it wasn't for Hull FC taking a chance on me as a youngster, then I don't think I'd be playing rugby, so for me, it's everything to play for this club. I can't imagine myself playing for anybody else.

"I just want to keep playing and doing my bit for the team, whether that's carrying the ball in the backfield or scoring tries. I want to keep improving - I think that's the main thing - but the more games I play, the better I will be. I've gained a lot of confidence and I feel like I've fit in well.

"Next year, I want to secure a spot so every game I play, I'm putting mself in the shop window trying to impress people. I know I just need to keep going, chipping away, and keep learning.

"I know what I need to improve on and I want to build on that, have a good rest of the season, then go into pre-season and put some size on and go from there."

And as for the Hull side, Martin is content with the strives made. There is pride once again in steadying the ship after a more than concerning start to the season, but after getting the necessary traits in their game to compete at this level again, there's belief and confidence in the team once more.

"We know as a team that we can stick in games now," Martin explained. "We've got more confidence and we can go for longer. We've had a couple of system changes too that have benefitted us, especially in defence, and we have improved a lot.

"We just need to finalise that bit with the ball now and start challenging teams more, but we've improved massively over the course of the season. We just need to turn these performances into wins and put smiles back on faces. We're confident we can do that."

And for Martin, there will be added incentive to do just that on Saturday afternoon, with his closest mates all wearing red and white.

"All my mates outside of the club are Rovers fans," he added. "They will all be in that away end so it will be nice to get one over them. I can't wait to get out there."

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