Gentle admits Huddersfield were too strong in cup tie

Hull FC coach Peter Gentle admitted Huddersfield were too strong for the Airlie Birds as they were knocked out of the Challenge Cup.

Huddersfield won 42-16 at the KC Stadium, and Gentle said injuries took their toll on the black and whites.

He said: “We are just depleted at the moment, but everybody goes through it at some stage and we will hopefully start getting some players back soon.

“They were just too strong and quick for us at the end, but I’m not too disappointed. The experience will be good for our young players and we’ll be better mentally as a team for having come through this tough period once we start to get some bodies back. 

“I think the young guys are really doing a good job for us at the moment. They’ll pick themselves up and we’ll get ready to go again against Wigan on Sunday.”

Gentle was disappointed his side were not in the hat for the fifth round draw of the Challenge Cup, but says his focus can remain on the Super League.

He said: “We are disappointed not to still be in the cup, but we have put ourselves in a strong position in the league. We’ve got some quality players to come back into the side and we’re still in a position to give it a good go. We are confident we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.”