With scorching sunshine and temperatures in the high-20s forecast in the capital tomorrow, Hull coach Agar is acutely aware that the conditions will take their toll on players who are not totally fit.

Both finalists go into the Carnegie Challenge Cup final with doubts over key players: Maurie Fa'asavalu and Paul Sculthorpe of St Helens are carrying hamstring strains while Hull have concerns over the fitness of half-backs Adam Dykes and Richard Horne.

Dykes has struggled with knee and calf problems all year while Horne is a stone underweight after suffering a serious neck injury playing against Bradford in April.

Both players are included in a 19-man squad with Agar likely to choose between Horne, Tommy Lee and Danny Houghton for a place on the bench.

"We've still got one or two decisions to make," said Agar. "Most of the team takes care of itself, but we have to make sure we pick the best 17 for the day.

"It's going to be hot so we have to try and cover as many bases as possible considering there are one or two blokes who are low on miles."

Hull's preparations have received a massive boost with the arrival of their former captain Richard Swain, who flew in from Australia earlier this week to provide support to Agar and his former team-mates.

Swain captained Hull to their 25-24 victory over Leeds in 2005, but returned Down Under last year after retiring in mid-season with a series of nagging injuries.

"It's fantastic that Richard has been able to join us," said Agar. "He's followed our progress closely, he's very articulate and he will be an inspirational presence for us this week.

"Richard was held in such high regard by our players that I know he'll give everyone a boost: the coaches, the players who make the 17 for Saturday and those who don't."