Gentle concerned with present as ambitious Hull build for future

The Black and Whites proudly opened their impressive youth performance and community centre on Wednesday, a facility they hope will help develop Super League stars of the future.

However, more pressing concerns surround Sunday’s visit of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats as Hull seek to atone for last week’s last-minute defeat at Salford.

Gentle said: “We haven’t worried about Wakefield too much. We’ve focused on getting our own house in order first.

“That was a sub-par performance against Salford and was particularly disappointing as we’d spoken about improving each week.

“It was frustrating but I know the players are better than that and so do they.

“To their credit, they have been honest and accepted where they made mistakes.

“There has been no shirking and they’ve all had a very positive week at training.

“They proved in a 15-minute period against Salford what they are capable of but we need to maintain that for a full game and play to our potential each week.”

Of course, most eyes will be on Richard Agar as the former Hull FC coach makes his first return to the KC Stadium since Gentle replaced him last autumn.

But the Australian is concentrating on his own side and urging them to show they are maturing under his tutorship.

The return of Sam Moa after suspension will bolster them up front while fellow prop Eamon O’Carroll sees a specialist today to decide whether he can make his Hull debut.

“We went away from what we have been working on against Salford, so we are looking to show a little more structure in attack,” added Gentle, who may also hand half-back Jamie Ellis his first shot since moving from Leigh Centurions.