Dowes keen to build on derby high with visit of Warrington

EWAN DOWES knows Hull FC must repeat their derby defensive heroics if they are going to overturn dynamic Warrington Wolves today.

The experienced prop marked his 200th appearance for the Black and Whites in style as battling Hull edged past Hull KR 18-14 at Craven Park on Good Friday.

They could draw level with second-placed Warrington if they can follow that up with another victory this afternoon but Dowes realises it will be a major ask.

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Tony Smith's side have only lost twice this season and with such attacking flair as England stars Richard Myler and Ryan Atkins along with former Australian Test winger Matt King and Super League top try scorer Chris Riley, average more than 30 points a game.

With a ferocious pack boasting Adrian Morley, ex-Hull team-mate Garreth Carvell and Ben Westwood, Dowes is anticipating a colossal encounter.

"It's a massive game for us," he said.

"We didn't play particularly well against Rovers but put our bodies on the line and defended like our lives depended on it.

"We can take a lot of spirit from that into Monday. We're back at home and want to turn the KC into a fortress.

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"Warrington are one of the form sides with a big, strong pack and quality backs but we'll see where we can break them down. Rovers threw everything at us but our line defence was excellent.

"We know Warrington will test us even more so it has to be exactly the same – we need great line speed, must pressure their kickers and shut them down early."

Hull are unbeaten on home turf and are aiming to prove their top-four credentials after ending their three-match losing run on the road.

The east of the city may not have been much of a trek but, after protecting their line for almost an hour, Dowes admitted: "It was unreal and a real confidence boost to win at Rovers.

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"We'd been disappointed with our away form and Friday was scrappy – we didn't complete and conceded 18 penalties – but ground out a victory in adversity and they're sometimes better than an easy win.

"I couldn't have got a better result for my 200th Hull appearance and against KR made it an extra special day for me. I'm just proud to get to that milestone."

Meanwhile, Hull coach Richard Agar is likely to make changes today given Danny Tickle (dead leg), Tom Briscoe (hip) and Epalahame Lauaki (concussion) all suffered injuries at Craven Park. Jordan Turner and Danny Washbrook are hoping to get called-up while Sam Moa and Mike Burnett are on stand-by.