Rugby League Coaching Manuals

The newly-appointed skipper helped the Black and Whites to opening wins over Saints and Huddersfield before picking up a hamstring injury that has forced him to sit out the last three matches, which included a surprise defeat by Crusaders.

The return of the veteran half-back is a timely boost for Hull as they look for a win that would enable them to leapfrog their opponents to the top of the Engage Super League.

"We could have probably picked him last week but hamstrings are delicate things and we thought we'd leave him another week," said Hull coach Richard Agar.

"He loves playing and he's missed it and we're glad to have him back. He started in good fashion for us."

Long began his illustrious career with Wigan in 1996 and turned down the chance of a second spell there in favour of a new challenge with Hull.

Agar's men drew level on points difference with the Warriors following the leaders' defeat at Bradford, where they squandered a 20-0 half-time lead.

"That defeat makes our job harder," said Agar. "Sometimes wins can paper over the cracks and they will be focusing on areas that they feel let them down.

"It's shaping up to be a truly exciting contest. Wigan are very much playing for their new coach, who's changed a few things, but I think e've earned the right to go there with some confidence."

Wigan's loss to the Bulls was their first under Michael Maguire and prop forward Andy Coley, a member of their five-strong leadership group, says the players are still hurting from losing their 100% record.

"It's a shame it came to an end in the manner that it did," said Coley. "To be in such a commanding position and lose the game, that's the hurtful thing.

"We went away from what we know we're about but, if anyone had told us in January that we'd be four from five, we'd have been happy with that."