Hull FC v Wigan: Waiting over as Hull get chance to atone

The Airlie Birds saw their 100 per cent start to the campaign ruined when Castleford Tigers’ pack got on top of them at the KC Stadium last week.

They are at home once more this evening against the beaten Grand Finalists so gain an immediate chance to prove their early- season form was no false dawn.

Hull have invested heavily in their squad for 2016 and assistant coach Andy Last said: “We have a great team on paper but we didn’t play well against Castleford.

“What’s important now is that we turn up ready to play against Wigan.

“They’re a strong side who haven’t been on top form, but they have still won three games.

“We’ve spoken about the contact area. Wigan pride themselves on the wrestle and their middle is very strong.

“They play very aggressively and very direct.

“We need to make sure we are equally as aggressive and try and control that ruck area better than we did against Castleford.”

Wigan have defeated Catalans, Huddersfield and Salford so far but none of those victories have come by more than six points showing opponents can hurt them.

Last, whose Hull side beat Salford and Catalans away before falling 31-24 against Castleford, said: “We have to play on our terms and dictate the flow of the game more.

“We did that well in the opening two matches of the year.

“It will be difficult because Wigan are a very well-drilled team who play with a lot of shape and structure.

“But if the performance is good the result will take care of itself. It’s important we respond in the right manner.”