Consistency key as Fitzgibbon looks to extend his time at Hull

Australian Test veteran Craig Fitzgibbon says the Airlie Birds are relishing the opportunity to prove their quality in the final third of the season after re-discovering their early year form.

Hull started the campaign with an impressive 32-12 victory at

St Helens and went on to win four of their first five Super League games.

Plagued by injuries, they then suffered some erratic form to fall away from the early leaders but have won three of their last four to get back in the picture.

Now sitting in fourth, they can close the gap between themselves and joint-second St Helens to just two points by completing a double over the Merseysiders at KC Stadium this evening.

Fitzgibbon said: "At the start of the year we won some big games but probably dropped down in intensity against the so-called lower teams.

"I'd like to think we'll be more competitive now and consistency is the key.

"I don't think too many teams have gone through as many injuries as we've done – we've been really hurt with up to 10 out at one point – but we've managed to stick in there in the top eight.

"We've certainly got to improve our performances but that's what it's all about and we are more than capable."

Hull's recent improvement has coincided with the return of the pivotal New South Wales Origin loose forward.

They won just once in five games without him after he was injured in the Good Friday victory at arch-rivals Hull KR.

But with Fitzgibbon, and equally influential captain Sean Long fit again, they have won on the road at Catalans and Castleford to leave them well placed for the visit of Challenge Cup semi-finalists St Helens.

"We had a good win over them down there at Saints but that was on the opening round and they've picked up a lot since then," he said.

"They're coming off the back of a 68-12 win over Rovers last time out in Super League so it's going to be a really big challenge.

"We're under no illusions how hard it's going to be but this is why we all want to be players to be part of big games like this one.

"We've had a weekend off and, hopefully, by the time they leave Hull they'll have known they've been in a battle again."

Fitzgibbon has been recently linked with a return to Sydney Roosters, the NRL side he left last winter to take up a one-year deal in East Yorkshire.

However, the hardened forward insists he would like to re-sign with Richard Agar's men in 2011.

"I had a meeting with (chief executive) Jimmy Rule last week," said Fitzgibbon, who has scored five tries in 11 appearances so far and brought real solidity and strength to Hull's pack.

"I really like the area, the boys, the club and working with the coach.

"I've enjoyed it all and hopefully we can get something sorted and worked out without it dragging on too long."Hull are further bolstered tonight by the return of second-row Willie Manu, after elbow ligament damage, and prop Peter Cusack, who is back the first time in six weeks after recovering from shoulder and knee damage.