Win vital to Hull's dream of finishing in top two

A fifth successive victory would send out a real message of intent to the rest of Super League as the resurgent Airlie Birds continue their unassuming pursuit of a potential top two place.

However, defeat at the Galpharm Stadium could leave Hull open to repeat accusations of the inconsistencies that marred them earlier this year while allowing Huddersfield the impetus to spark their own bid for a much-needed revival.

It is a crucial contest for both ambitious sides – fourth-placed Hull just four points adrift of Warrington in second and Huddersfield delicately balanced in sixth fully realising their campaign can go one of two ways in the coming weeks.

Hull, having recently secured a Super League double over third-placed St Helens, are looking for the same again having already defeated Nathan Brown's side at the KC Stadium in February.

However, Agar recalled: "That was round two and it was a narrow victory.

"I remember saying to the rest of our staff here, if Huddersfield stayed fit and had a bit of luck they'd be knocking on the door.

"I know they've probably not been in the best of form over the last six weeks but they had as tough a fixture list as you could imagine and it's not changed my opinion; when Huddersfield are fit, firing and healthy, they'll be a threat to anyone.

"People talk about their defensive strength but they play some terrific football too; you know they've got some plays and you can see them coming but they're hard to stop and they are real dangerous on the ball with people like Brett Hodgson and Kevin Brown able to make the right pass.

"They've got some injuries but their squad has a bit more depth than most and we know this is all set for a good game. That's what we want."

It was a strangely error-prone performance from captain Hodgson that led to Huddersfield's loss at St Helens last Friday, a game last season's Challenge Cup finalists should – if serious about reaching a first Grand Final – have delivered in given their hosts' squad depletion.

However, they were missing Brown who made his England debut a week ago, and the stand-off's return tomorrow should see Huddersfield's attacking fluency restored.

Hull welcome back their own England international in the shape of winger Tom Briscoe who is set to replace two-try Craig Hall in the only change to the side that defeated Salford.

Agar admits being able to field a regular 17, including the return from injury of the invaluable Sean Long and Craig Fitzgibbon, has acted as a catalyst for their improvements.

"Longy and Fitz have given us direction but we've also had a fairly consistent line-up for the last four or five weeks and that continuity has helped us and allowed us to grow in confidence," he said, with one of their most reliable performers – Danny Tickle – yesterday confirming he has signed a new three-year deal at the club.

It is understood Huddersfield were one of a number of Super League clubs vigorously chasing the goal-kicking second-row's signature and so the timing of the announcement is not lost on anyone.

Tickle, 27, will make his 100th appearance for Hull tomorrow and Agar admitted the former Halifax and Wigan forward was "integral" to his side's progress.

Brown, meanwhile, is refusing to allow injuries suffered to England prop Eorl Crabtree, Kiwi David Fa'alogo and young winger Jermaine McGillvary at Knowsley Road as an excuse for that setback and is expecting an instant response.

"Hull are performing well, most of their players are back from injury and they are in good form," he said. "But I still think the competition is wide open and again it goes down to winning your close games.

"If you can win those then the table always looks better. Hull have found ways to win their close matches and that certainly has a bearing on where you finish in the table."

Having lost 30-22 at St Helens, Huddersfield's players will have heeded the warning.

Elsewhere, Hull KR are looking for a fourth successive home victory when Harlequins journey to Craven Park.

They won 50-12 in London on Easter Monday and coach Justin Morgan admitted: "We were very focused and ruthless on the day.

"We need to do that again. We can't be lazy and we can't be loose."

Rovers, who have youngsters Scott Taylor and Frankie Mariano vying with ex-Bradford second-row Matt Cook for a call-up, have confirmed Chaz I'Anson, the 23-year-old stand-off, will not play again until next season after rupturing his cruciate ligament during his first game on loan at Widnes.