HULL FC coach Peter Gentle is expecting a strong response from his side tonight after accepting they have been overrun down the middle in their last two games.
Hosting the Wakefield Wildcats at the KC Stadium, the Black and Whites will look to get their top four aims back on track after successive defeats.
And to do so, Gentle admits they must address a weakness in the heart of their side, as both Catalan and Castleford beat them in the battle of the big men.
"I think anyone who watched the game last week would say we were beaten down the middle, and no doubt all the other Super League sides have taken note of that." Gentle admitted.
"I believe we can be strong in the middle. We haven't been in the past fortnight though and we expect Wakefield to challenge us down there, but I am expecting our blokes to meet the challenge."
Successive defeats have seen Hull lose their grip on a place in the top six, entering tonight's contest now trailing local rivals Hull KR by two points following their four-match winning run.
Given the plaudits Hull received during a recent run of nine wins in 10 games, the past fortnight has acted as timely wake-up call for Gentle's men, with the coach hinting his players may have lost focus as a result.
"You can point to a number of things but it is part of us maturing as a group," he said.
"We were getting a lot of accolades and we probably didn't handle it as well as we could have. We went away from a couple of things we were doing individually away from the game and you saw the end result.
"It is part of our development as a club. It is difficult in a city like this where everywhere you go, if you are playing well they let you know, but if you are not playing well they let you know too.
"This week it has been back to hard work. Having a 10-day turnaround we have been able to have almost a mini-pre-season. We had a tough slog early in the week and I think we are on course for a win."
With both Gareth Ellis and Danny Tickle back fit, Gentle has the men he needs available to ensure Hull strengthen up in the pack.
Tom Briscoe is also expected to return from injury on the wing, whilst Gentle may be tempted to recall centre Kirk Yeaman, having dropped him for the loss at Castleford.
"There will be changes, and coming off two poor performances, it gives the 17 a chance to stake a claim," he said.
"I believe that if you work hard you will get the results, and I think we have done that since the poor showing against Castleford.
"We have had some very tough sessions and everyone is back on their game and there has been a real intensity lift here."
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