HULL FC coach Richard Agar says the returns of half-backs Richard Horne and Sean Long have boosted his side's confidence.

With Richard Horne rejoining training this week, Agar has been able to work with his two first-choice halves for the first time in five months.

"It has given everyone a boost and a spring in our step," explained Agar.

"They provide everybody in the team with a lot of confidence and that has been on show this week."

When he's played what Long brings to the side is there for all to see, but those performances have been sporadic with a series of unlucky injuries preventing the scrum-half from building any real momentum.

Playing alongside Horne just four times this year has diluted Hull's attack.

Scoring points has been difficult at times with chances wasted or, more importantly, the work rate and momentum of the forwards has not always been capitalised upon.

It is something Agar acknowledges and he admits his team need to be more potent to be Grand Final contenders.

"No one can doubt our effort and endeavour at times, but you can't underestimate the direction and skills those two players (Horne and Long) bring to our team," added Agar.

"We know our attack needs to improve if we are going to have a crack at the competition, but I'm pretty confident having our first-choice halves back will help.

"That is a factor as to why we haven't scored as many points as we should but we are hopeful of addressing that."

It is not just the creative edge Long and Horne provide which Agar says is important.

He adds: "As well as the obvious skills they bring to the team, having those guys back frees up some of our other players to play in their preferred spots."