Arthur Mourgue experienced the agony and the ecstasy of a Hull derby in his first meeting between the Betfred Super League’s cross-city rivals on Good Friday.
Hull KR’s French full-back was forced off for a head injury assessment just 16 minutes into the match against Hull FC after Cade Cust caught him high with a shoulder in the sold-out clash at the MKM Stadium.
But while that proved to be the end of Cust’s afternoon as he was sent off, Mourgue returned to the field to put in a player-of-the-match display as the Robins triumphed 28-14 to extend their lead at the top of the Super League table.
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“It was very tough,” Mourgue told Sky Sports.
“Obviously, for me, it was my first derby and the atmosphere was incredible. It’s the first time I’ve experienced something like this in the regular season.
“It’s just unbelievable and I’m happy to win. Maybe not the way we won because I think they made trouble for us with 12 men against 13.
“We will keep improving what we do on the pitch.”
Mourgue, who moved to East Hull from Catalans Dragons on a three-and-a-half-year contract in March, was among the try-scorers for the Robins and kicked three goals as they backed up their Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-final win over their rivals at the same venue two weeks ago.
Oliver Gildart, Peta Hiku and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves crossed for the visitors too, although Hull FC, who now trail Hull KR by three points in the Super League standings, kept things interesting with tries from Jack Ashworth, Tom Briscoe and Jordan Rapana despite being a man down.
It was only Mourgue’s third appearance for Hull KR, but underscored how quickly the 25-year-old has settled into life with Willie Peters’ side.
“It’s good,” Mourgue said. “It’s a new club, a new team for me and the boys have really welcomed me.
“I’m starting to get the system and everything, I’m really enjoying being here.
“I’ve got plenty of minutes on the pitch so far, so I’m really happy to be here.”
HULL FC 14 (J Ashworth, T Briscoe, J Rapana tries, W Pryce goal) lost to HULL KR 28 (Gildart, P Hiku, A Mourgue, J Waerea-Hargreaves tries, M Lewis, A Mourgue 3 goals)
Referee: Liam Moore.
