PETER Gentle says Hull FC must win at London to kick-start their stuttering season ahead of a defining few weeks.
The Hull coach has left his players in no doubt regarding the importance of this afternoon's game at The Stoop, with Hull bidding for only their third win in eight attempts.
Admitting the season has stuttered so far, Gentle believes victory in the capital can spark a positive run over a key period which he feels will shape who are the genuine top-four contenders.
"We are at that stage of the season now where we need to kick-start our season. It has stuttered along so far," Gentle told the Mail.
"Over the next six weeks you will start to see the competition taking shape.
"Two points this week is vital for us. We haven't looked ahead at the derby or where we are, all we know is two points are vital."
With Easter around the corner, the Broncos match is the first of four Super League games in two weeks for Hull, with the Good Friday derby followed swiftly by a trip to Wakefield and a home clash against Catalan.
Still only four points off second place in the table, despite their indifferent start, Gentle is aware a good run over Easter would greatly strengthen Hull's bid to be a top-four side.
Eager to not look too far ahead, the Aussie coach says Hull's first hurdle is beating a Broncos side which is starting to find form.
"We are coming up against a London team which is playing pretty good and there is no complacency from us because they are just one point behind us in the table," added Gentle.
"Craig Gower is instrumental in everything they do and is a real competitor. The old legs are still carrying him around well.
"Last year at this time the competition table changed shape over this period. Getting through Easter, the depth of squads starts to be found out and it will give a good indication, but first we have to focus on London."
