PETER Gentle has underlined the importance of the Challenge Cup to Hull FC this year – calling tonight's clash the biggest game of the season.
Hull entertain Wakefield Wildcats in the fifth round looking to move a step closer to Wembley by booking their place in the last eight.
With the knockout competition arguably providing the Black and Whites with their best chance for silverware, Gentle and his troops are determined to make a significant impact on the competition this year.
"Everyone sets goals at the start of the year, and this is a unique competition and we want to be in it for as long as possible," said Gentle.
"This is our biggest game of the year, it is the most important game of the year so far.
"It is the Challenge Cup, this game allows us to get into the last eight and we can't get anywhere in this competition unless we win tonight, so it is win at all costs."
Hull last reached the final in 2008 when coached by Richard Agar, who this evening will be plotting to dump the Black and Whites out of the competition with the Wildcats.
Since their Wembley appearance five years ago, Hull have struggled in the cup and have not beaten a Super League side since their victory over Wakefield in the 2008 semi-final.
Having already beaten the Wildcats away in the league on Easter Monday, Hull are hoping home advantage will see them to another success tonight.
Using the win at Wakefield as a catalyst, Hull have lost just once in their last six games, with the Black and Whites now starting to turn around a slow start to the season.
Gentle says it is pleasing to see the response from his players, who he says have changed their approach after having a 'part-time' attitude for far too long.
"I think we have become more professional in our approach," he said.
"The players understand now they have the Hull FC jumper and they have to hold on to it.
"There was an element of us that was only part-time for a long period.
"I think we are the real deal now, we are very professional when we are at training and we get all our boxes ticked. It is pleasing."
• HULL FC forward Dean Hadley has signed a new deal at the club until the end of the 2015 season.
With his one-year deal ending this year, Hull have moved to tie down the 20-year-old to a longer contract.
"When you're a young lad playing rugby, playing at the KC is what you dream of and I'm delighted to sign a new contract with the club," said Hadley.
"For the next two years I've got some stability now. I can just knuckle down, train hard and when I get an opportunity, hopefully I can play well."
The Mail understands out-of-contract Jamie Shaul has also agreed terms on a new deal.
A target from both rugby union and other Super League sides, Shaul is thought to have committed his future to Hull.
• Paul Cooke on Jacob Miller's move to Hull FC
