IT'S in Gareth Ellis' nature to question when things are not right. When you're the captain of Hull FC and also a former international player of some repute, the first place you start is yourself.
Admitting to doing more than his fair share of soul searching during a difficult spell for Hull, Ellis has asked the questions.
Now, with a huge derby game upon him, he's hoping he's found the answer.
It's the inconsistency that's plaguing Ellis, with the change in coach and a change of mind-set at the training ground not bringing about a change in the performances from the players.
Admitting he's questioned if there are enough winners at the club, Ellis says it's time he led by example and others followed.
"I've probably done a bit of soul-searching myself over the last couple of weeks, questioning myself if I am the right man for the job when you're losing games in the manner we are," Ellis told the Mail.
"You've got to question if there are enough winners in our team, if there are players prepared to go that extra mile.
"As a captain, that's exactly what I need to start doing and lead from the front.
"I want to lead the team by example, and that's what I intend to do."
Hull need a performance of note from Ellis today, but it won't be enough to guarantee victory.
Already this season the second row has scaled heights which he's never managed before in a Black and White shirt with a number of outstanding performances, one most notably came in defeat at Castleford.
Ellis can show the way, as he intends to do, but it's vital others go with him.
Victory for Hull is all that matters at the Etihad Stadium, performance and scoreline are irrelevant.
With the jungle drums beating a quiet and slow, but audible beat at the KC, rumblings of discontent will get much louder should Hull crash to not only a second derby loss but also their fourth defeat in five games.
"A win will certainly put a smile back on the fans' faces, and if they're true to their word, they don't care about any other game," said Ellis.
"The victory could restore a bit of pride, too, because that's certainly been dented at the club.
"There is no questioning this is a derby that both teams are keen to win. We know all about the hype and intensity of the build-up and the game itself.
"I think the last derby typified a lot of our other games this season because we fought really hard, but we were second best in terms of performance.
"We were in with a chance of winning or drawing, but we lost out to a drop-goal. If we show the same spirit with better execution, we can come away with the right result.
"The Wakefield defeat had a knock-on effect to how we performed against Wigan, and we hit rock bottom in that game. We can't get any lower. We really need to step it up now."
