PETER Gentle says the carrot of an impending Challenge Cup quarter-final will make sure his Hull FC side build in intensity ahead of another crucial period of games.
Having taken six points from a possible eight on offer in an important four-match block identified by Hull prior to the international break, Gentle's men return to action on Friday night at Castleford Tigers.
It marks the start of another crucial period in terms of Super League as Hull then host Wakefield and Huddersfield before their all-important cup date at Catalan Dragons on July 13.
Eager to see his side atone for their horror show in France last time out, Gentle says he expects a lift in intensity this week and then every week as the Black and Whites build towards their cup tie.
"Nobody was happy with their game after Catalan and there is an opportunity for everybody now," Gentle told the Mail.
"We have three weeks to pick a squad that we feel can beat Catalan and we know that is going to be a daunting task.
"We know we need to be 100 times better than we were.
"There is a carrot there, because everyone wants to play in that quarter-final and the games will intensify as we get closer.
"From Castleford, then Wakefield and then Huddersfield, it is another tough month for us and the intensity will lift."
Hull's next four-game block starts with a trip to a resurgent Tigers, who are playing at home for the first time under the reign of new coach Daryl Powell.
Having ended on a sour note in France last time out, Gentle sent his players away for a week which he feels was badly needed after the tired looking performance against the Dragons.
Having refreshed mentally and physically, Gentle says his players have come back to training this week with a real spring in their step.
"We've just had five days off and I've been very impressed with the way the boys have returned to training," added Gentle.
"We got the players away from footy and got them to go away, not together, but to have a break from each other too.
"They've spent time with their family, they've freshened up and they've come back flying. It's all set up for a good game on Friday night."
The Hull coach will be boosted by an almost fully-fit squad to select from for the short trip along the M62.
Ben Galea was a late absentee from the game in Perpignan with sickness, but returns to contention, as do a raft of players to hand Gentle a tough decision.
"Gareth Ellis has a chance of playing, Danny Tickle has a chance and Tom Briscoe has a chance," explained Gentle.
"Jacob Miller is in contention as is Ben Galea, while Joe Arundel is ready to go.
"So we have up to five people who could play that didn't against Catalan.
"We are in a good place injury wise, but I won't make any rash decisions."
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