HULL FC: There'll be no hangover, says Agar

RICHARD Agar says he is confident there will be no hangover from his Hull FC side this week following their memorable victory at St Helens.

Hull make their seasonal home bow in Super League on Friday, when Huddersfield Giants arrive at the KC Stadium.

Expectancy has risen from fans and media alike following the Black and Whites' convincing 32-12 victory at Knowsley Road against a Saints side who had reached four successive Grand Finals.

Agar is aware a similar expect- ation greeted Hull last season following their five-match unbeaten start to the campaign, a run that saw the side win just five of their remaining 22 games in the fixture list.

And he says that while defeats will inevitably come this season, his new crop of players will make sure Hull will be competitive each week and not fall away as easily as last year.

"There is no worry of Friday night this week being a case of after the Lord Mayor's show for us in terms of our performance," Agar told the Mail.

"This week is a short turn around for us and that presents its own challenges, as do a very strong Huddersfield side.

"We know we will win some games and lose some games this season.

"But I also know this is a new group of players – with new standards and a desire – that means we will be competitive."

Agar has admitted he is yet to decide if his side which excelled at St Helens will remain unchanged.

The Hull coach does have that option, however, after Danny Tickle returned to training following an early exit at Knowsley Road where he sustained an eye injury.

Winger Mark Calderwood, who missed the opening round fixture with a hamstring injury, will not feature, but is expected to be available to face Crusaders on February 21.

ONLY 500 seats remain in the East Stand for this Friday's game against Huddersfield at the KC Stadium.