HULL FC's Sam Moa believes the power of the Black and Whites' pack will be key in Saturday's do-or-die derby against Hull KR.

The Tongan forward has been in impressive form as part of a formidable FC front line this season.

Hull's pack were influential in helping Richard Agar's men dominate the early stages of the last derby at the KC Stadium, which FC won 20-16.

And Moa says a repeat performance is needed from FC's big men this weekend.

"This game is all about the power of the pack and that particular battle," Moa told the Mail.

"It's going to come down to that contest in the middle on Saturday and everybody has to be on board and offer what they are good at."

A bit-part player in the opening stages of the season, Moa has since broken through to miss only two of the last 18 Super League encounters for Hull FC.

Coming off the bench with good impact on each occasion, he has justified the two-year deal handed to him at the end of last season by the Black and Whites.

And the 24-year-old says he's enjoying playing in a pack where everyone offers their own unique attributes.

"We have gelled well together as a pack this season," he said.

"Everyone has their own traits and brings something good to the team.

"We are enjoying playing alongside each other and we are confident we are a match for anyone.

"For me personally my job has been made much easier when I am coming on after the likes of Mark O'Meley.

"It is a really enjoyable time playing with these guys."

Preparing for his first taste of play-off rugby, Moa admits he's having trouble containing his excitement ahead of Saturday's derby clash.

And after seeing his side cope well all season with key players missing, the fans' favourite is eager to see how well the Black and Whites now go with all their big names back in the fray.

"I'm really, really excited about this game," he said.

" I'm excited for the team because we haven't had a full team to select from all year.

"We've had to scrape some wins but we should still have finished fourth and would have if we weren't robbed last week.

"But having done that well is exciting because now we have players back.

"I can't wait to be honest. It is going to be one hell of a game.

"We've won the last three games we've played against KR but that can work against us if we are not ready for it.

"They will come back firing and we can't take them lightly.

"We are hoping we can fire and build on the good plays we've come up with in recent weeks and capitalise on having our key players back.

"The last derby at the KC was unbelievable, the fans were so vocal and helped us get through the game."