Injured Long ruled out but Agar puts faith in Hull squad

They head to champions Leeds Rhinos tomorrow, rounding off a fierce Easter schedule which saw them edge past derby rivals Hull KR before falling short against high-flying Warrington Wolves in Super League.

But then the Airlie Birds face Leeds again during a huge Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth-round tie back at the KC Stadium in a week's time.

"Looking at the calendar, even before knowing who we'd get in the cup, this was looking like the biggest week of our season," admitted Agar, who has seen captain Sean Long fail to shake off an ankle injury in time for tomorrow's test.

"We knew it would test the depth of our squad but we do feel we have a bit more quality there this season.

"Some of those players who haven't been playing regularly are going to get a shot.

"Their chance is right now and we know it's going to be another big week ahead."

Fifth-placed Hull also have Tom Briscoe (hip), Epalahame Lauaki (neck) and Richard Horne (knee) back in contention tomorrow but Agar is again without Long and Danny Tickle (dead leg).

They could return for the cup tie next Saturday while Leeds coach Brian McClennan has seen his ailing side recover their worrying form by picking up a win and a draw over Easter.

Agar said: "They have had to put up with injuries and had the World Club Challenge to contend with as well.

"When you lose players like Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peacock it is not easy, but Leeds will be looking to finish strongly in the final two thirds of the season and they will.

"They will have taken a lot of confidence from those results against Bradford and Catalans."

Leeds are also bolstered by the return of ex-Australian Test hooker Danny Buderus who was rested for Monday's win at Catalans – their first success in five games.

Meanwhile, Bradford Bulls are in Perpignan this evening to face Catalans Dragons with coach Steve McNamara – shortly expected to be named as the new England chief – relishing the trip.

"I know some people have looked at the fixture list and said it's not what you'd want at the end of the busy Easter programme but we are looking at it differently," he said, buoyed by Monday's win over Crusaders.

"We like to go away as a team and at this time, when you are really fatigued, it can do you good to get away from the distractions at home – you know, family things and such – and get away to France, get some sun on our back and stay together at a hotel with some good facilities and generally relax and recuperate. Hopefully the sun will shine on us and that makes you feel better and we think it can be a really good game for us."

Hull KR host Warrington tomorrow while Wakefield Trinity Wildcats welcome Crusaders to Belle Vue.

Youngster Scott Taylor is in contention for a first appearance of the season for Rovers and Josh Hodgson is also named in the squad.

They take the places of Scott Wheeldon and Mike Ratu.

Crusaders have completed the signing of utility back Rhys Hanbury from Wests Tigers.

The 24-year-old's move was delayed as he was forced to wait for his visa to come through.

Jason Demetriou is back in the Wildcats squad after missing Monday's loss at Wigan. Shane Tronc could also feature despite being linked with a return to Australia.