Nullify the threat from Giants’ pack in order to win – Gentle

It all seems simple enough put like that, but actually making it happen is the sizeable challenge the Australian has thrown down to his side this evening.

“Everyone is well aware of the forward pack Huddersfield have got and how much room and time they are giving Danny Brough to play off the back of,” said Gentle, about the scrum-half who famously helped Hull FC win the 2005 Challenge Cup.

“There is no special blueprint in how to beat Huddersfield; it’s winning the battle in the middle.

“It’s a big challenge for our boys as we are coming up against the form pack in Super League and the form half-back.

“It is going to be tough and a big ask but I am confident we can meet that challenge.

“It will be a battle for 80 minutes and a battle fought down the middle.

“I’d like to think we can hold them there and put a bit of pressure on Danny Brough.”

Hull are confident after romping past Castleford Tigers 52-0 last week, a perfect comeback after a disconcerting loss at Widnes Vikings.

However – mindful of his side’s swaying form – Gentle refuses to read too much into that.

“We have shown our worst and our best in the space of a fortnight so we have to get some consistency into our performance,” he explained.

“We didn’t have to work too hard for our points against Castleford. That camouflaged a few things and papered over cracks that are there.

“We have shown for 50 or 60 minutes we can be a decent side, now we need to push that up.

“Huddersfield have given the best team performance this season when they won (40-4) at St Helens. They’ve only come unstuck once at Bradford and Brough didn’t play in that game so we’ll have to be at our best.”

Hull are missing a raft of talent such as England second-row pairing Danny Tickle and Gareth Ellis, plus international centre Kirk Yeaman among others.

Such selection problems caused chaos on their previous visit to Huddersfield last Easter but Gentle added: “We are much more seasoned now and I can replace like for like.

“That is a great position for me to be in now. We are in a lot better position.”