DANNY Tickle says the Challenge Cup final will act as a derby inspiration for Hull FC and not a distraction on Sunday.
Hull travel to MS3 Craven Park bidding for a second successive victory against their neighbours, knowing a win will lift them above Rovers in the table.
The game comes less than two weeks before Hull's big day out at Wembley.
Tickle insists the competition for a Wembley place will bring out the best in the Black and Whites, who know the importance of winning the third and final derby of the season.
"The gaffer has made it clear that if you want a place in the team at Wembley, you've got to be performing in these next few games," explained Tickle.
"Everybody is fighting for a spot but we've got a little bit of momentum behind us now with our last couple of wins and we really need to build on that.
"These are the big games you want to be involved in, just like Wembley. People may be thinking about the cup final, but we know just how important derbies are and it will be a big test."
Hull put any immediate thoughts of a cup semi-final hangover behind them with a season-best result last week against Widnes. Racking up 12 tries in a 72-10 win, nine of which were converted by Tickle, Hull built on their impressive Warrington display in some style.
With a big end to the season expected and not just in the cup, Tickle is aware the key for Hull is to build on the momentum.
"I think that performance against Widnes had been coming," he adds.
"We stuck to the game plan and ground the first 20 minutes out when we knew Widnes were going to come at us and our defence was good again.
"It's been a theme these last few weeks. Our defence has been good but it's great to put points on the board as well as we've been lacking that.
"Hopefully everything's coming together and the derby is another game we're all looking forward to."