St Helens v Hull FC: Peter Gentle wants side to prove performance against Bradford Bulls was no 'flash in the pan'

PETER Gentle says Hull FC's performance last week cannot be a one-off, with the coach calling for improvement against St Helens tonight.

Having seen both sides to his team in the opening two rounds of the campaign, with a disappointing loss and an encouraging win, Gentle is warning against the Black and Whites repeating their Leeds display.

The Aussie insists Hull must use their Bradford win as a springboard, but he's warning his troops to not get complacent following their efforts last week.

"There's been no getting carried away at training or back slapping after looking at the tries we scored last week," said Gentle.

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"It wasn't as pretty as we may have thought it was.

"We set a lot of things right last week but it's what we do off the back of that.

"It can't just be a flash in the pan."

Hull got their campaign moving last week with a 28-12 victory against the Bulls, albeit in a mixed performance that saw the Black and Whites excel in defence and stutter in attack.

St Helens' start has mirrored that of Hull, with their own defensive steel coming to their rescue last week at Widnes, a week after being embarrassed at home to Huddersfield Giants.

Gentle is aware Saints' fans will expect a response in their second home game after being so convincingly beaten by the Giants in round one.

With the season still in its infancy, the Hull coach is confident his team will improve with each passing week.

But, he's acutely aware the same can be said for Saints, who he expects to be a tough test this evening.

"People say Saints have been up and down. They could say the same about us and we are in a similar boat," adds Gentle.

"Look at our form and we are scratchy as well.

"Their defensive patterns aren't quite nailed on just yet and their attack is misfiring to a certain degree.

However, they are still a very good squad and I still think they will be up at the top end of the table come round 27.

"They will improve each week as we are, so I think it will be a very good game.

"That was a tough task to go to Widnes and win there. That is a very physical game up there and a lot of sides won't come away with the two points.

"Huddersfield would have beaten anyone in round one."