12500 for a derby game in league one (or whatever it was called then) in 1997

Like Wigan's glory days, the majority of current support will not have been present during those pre-Super League days. Especially considering Hull FC and Hull KR's problems/abscence during the earlier Super League years.

Supporters in their twenties and below are only now appreciating the derby being regulary played at the top level. They aren't used to the derby and it's still new to them, where as Wiganers and St Helensers have spent the last twenty/thirty years watching our derby year after year at the top level in League, cup and Super League finals.

It would be interesting to see if the Hull derby was still as popular amongst Hull folk, part-timers and non-die hards had they been playing against each other for as consistantly long at the top level as Wigan and St Helens have.

You clearly know nothing about the history of the game in Hull. I've been there for over 30 years my family 50 to 70 themselves. Its the biggest fixture in Hull regardless of the division we play in. A pre season friendly a few years back attracted over 12000 when Rovers were in the NL. The Hull publics dersire for a derby is as great today as it ever has been, and whats more there is another 100 years + of rivalry and desire in the city and surround.

I could get on my soap box and praise the Wigan-Saints derby to the same degree.

But after 30 years of consistantly playing each other upto 4 or 5 times a year in big games, the derby isn't as important to some supporters who are less die-hard than others. Eventually, due to the size of the sport, this will happen to the Hull derby too.

Word of the week

yep thats the game.

im a neutral. if anything i liked leeds more than the rest of the clubs i mentioned

the hull derby was the best for me

some saints fans were saying the game against warrington was more of a game than the derby with the squads wire had in the past 3 years.

i just think the wigan / saints derby has lost a little of its lustre.

yes the atmos. was great

because Wigan have been garbage for 5 years.
Last years games were good though.
Hopefully a return to form on this one this year.

Us and Saints have had absolute crackers over the last couple of years, the cup game where Penny scored 'that try' was one of the best games in my recent memory along with a few more at Knowsley Road. I look forward to saints games the most but the feeling isnt the other way I don't think

Wigan v Saints has been the best derby historically. Going from last years games I think the Wigan saints games were the most entertaining.

Harlequins v Catalan is the most important Derby in SL..........just ask the guys at Red Hall

Aside from being a wigan fan, what parameters are you using to define "best derby historically"?

One is the most succesful club in history, the other is the modern day giant.
They have competed in some of the most important games together.
Pretty much every game is a great watch.
Great crowds.
Most of the greatest players of all time have played in the derby.