HULL FC coach Peter Gentle believes the carrot of playing at Wembley will bring the best out of his players as they look to save their Super League season over the coming three weeks.
Warning places in his Challenge Cup final 17 are still to be won and lost, the FC coach believes reaching the Wembley showpiece should help sharpen the focus of his players.
Despite the glory of last weekend's semi-final win, Gentle insists it must be back to business tonight against Widnes, as Hull have little margin for error in their bid for league success.
Owner Adam Pearson has already stressed league performances have not been good enough this season, and currently in eighth place with five games remaining, Gentle admits there is no room for error.
"I think the position on the ladder we are in doesn't give us any time to relax," Gentle said.
"We have to start winning games as we are running out of time, but our destiny is in our hands.
"We have a big game coming up in a month, but we also have three games before that which are vitally important to where we finish the season."
Having admitted their cup run may have been a distraction in the build-up to their semi-final against Warrington, Gentle is determined to use Wembley to his advantage when getting the best out of his players now.
Pointing to the successful returns to the squad of Jay Pitts and Joe Arundel last week, he has made it clear the door is open to all to fight their way into his side to face Wigan on August 24.
"There are 17 players who are going to play in that game and if our form isn't right and we are losing games that 17 is still to be decided," Gentle added.
"Every player has been put on notice to find their way into the team. If you are trying to protect yourself or not get injured, your form will slip.
"We all want to win the Challenge Cup, so over the next three weeks, the 17 best players will get the jersey.
"Look at Joe Arundel. He has come from left-field with Ben Crooks' injury and all the other guys have the same opportunity.
"You may not be playing at the moment but it's a funny game and opportunities can come from anywhere. So be ready."
Although accepting Hull can ill afford to lose a sixth straight league game, Gentle insists Hull are not yet at the 'must win' stage in the league.
However, with the momentum of last weekend behind them, he is expecting nothing but victory tonight.
"We are expected to win this game and I'd like to think we will," he said.
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