Fifth place would be a wonderful achievement claims Gentle as he sets sights on play-off derby

The Airlie Birds – tipped for great things at the start of the season – can achieve that final position if they defeat the current incumbents, St Helens, at KC Stadium tonight.

Although there is still a bitter taste after the disappointing Challenge Cup final loss against Wigan Warriors, head coach Gentle insists such a placing would still be progress.

“It will be a wonderful achievement if we beat St Helens and finish fifth,” said the Australian, whose side came sixth last season, his first in charge.

“It’s testament to the players and staff and what this group has been through this year.

“We may talk about it at some stage, but there has been a lot of adversity that this group has been through. To finish fifth would be very satisfying and would give us a good shot in the semi-finals (play-offs).”

Victory over Saints would set up an intriguing home elimination play-off with Hull KR next weekend. However, if they fail, and Catalan Dragons pick up a point or more against visiting Warrington Wolves tomorrow, they could lose their home advantage and face a third trip of the year to Perpignan.

“If we have to go to France then so be it,” added Gentle, his side having earned a famous Challenge Cup quarter-final success there this summer.

“We’ve been that often recently we have our own furniture over there. If we get beat and have to do that then fine, we aren’t worried about that, we just want to win on Friday.”

Hull will use the opportunity to say farewell to a couple of retiring players and Gentle admitted: “We want this win for everyone.

“I have a feeling Friday night is going to be a terrific night.

“It’s a chance to say goodbye to Mark O’Meley and Ben Galea, it’s heritage round and we have all the ex-players coming along.

“Our players are bringing their families with them on the field. There is a real good feel about it.”

Hull edged a 34-33 success at depleted Wigan last week to deliver a fourth straight Super League win and they do welcome back Kiwi hooker Aaron Heremaia from suspension.

“I think it has been under sold the extent of our win last week,” said Gentle.

“I don’t think you can underestimate the significance of winning a game before the Challenge Cup final and winning the game afterwards. If you look through history not many teams have done that.”

However, St Helens’ home loss against Warrington Wolves was only their first defeat in six games since Hull KR defeated them at MS3 Craven Park in June.

Nathan Brown’s side also have England hooker James Roby making a timely return from injury and they are intent on holding onto fifth.