HULL are the form team of Super League and a fourth successive win at the expense of St Helens tonight could lift them up to sixth if other results go their way.
The Black and Whites have not lost to Saints since the 2009 season after completing the double over them last year and drawing 24-24 when the sides met earlier this year at the KC Stadium.
Saints are five points adrift of the leaders after failing to win any of their last three matches but Hull coach Richard Agar insists they are far from a spent force.
“I know some people are not giving them the chances of winning the competition that they’ve had in the past but I strongly disagree,” he said.
“When you look down their roster, they’re full of quality. We’ve have had some belting games with them in recent times and I love the way Saints play.
“They’re not fully focused with the ruck or wrestle element of the game and that lends itself to a fast, open game.”
Meanwhile, faltering Yorkshire clubs Leeds and Castleford are both aiming for redemption as they look to prevent Wigan and Warrington turning the Engage Super League into a two-horse race.
The big two have the chance to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack tonight when champions Wigan host the Rhinos and leaders Warrington visit Castleford.
The Tigers were humiliated 62-0 by the Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium less than two months ago and are coming off the back of a 54-20 trouncing by Catalan Dragons in Perpignan.
With a re-arranged match against Wigan at the DW Stadium next Wednesday, Castleford coach Terry Matterson knows his side face a make-or-break test of their play-off hopes.
“We’re playing the top three in 12 days if you count Catalans, who are in great form,” said Matterson.
“Backing up from last Saturday is important and obviously the last performance against Warrington wasn’t great.”
TONIGHT: engage Super League (all 8pm) Castleford v Warrington, Salford v Harlequins RL, St Helens V Hull, Wigan v Leeds
TOMORROW: engage Super League Bradford v Catalan Dragons 4.45.
SUNDAY: engage Super League (3pm) Huddersfield v Crusaders, Hull KR v Wakefield The Co-operative Championship Hunslet v Widnes 3.00
