STEVE DEAKIN has spent the week searching for the weakest link in Hull's Super League side and is ready for a tough battle when they travel to Cougar Park for Sunday's Silk Cut Challenge Cup clash.

The Cougar coach has been studying videos of the Sharks in action and plotting a strategy which will give his side the edge. But he thinks they could have been keeping their true strategy under wraps during last weekend's 26-0 victory over Bradford Bulls.

"It was very difficult to judge them on that game because the Bulls did not play about 10 of their first team players. The conditions were very poor and Hull would have known we would try to get hold of a video of the game to plan our own strategy," he said.

The key factor could be Hull's lack of match fitness while Cougars are undefeated after eight games and on the crest of a wave.

At a key training session on Tuesday players analysed the attacking qualities of the Hull team and were to work on ways of breaking down their defence at training last night.

Deakin added: "We feel that we have a pretty good idea of what they are going to do, but breaking that down is another matter.

"We are well aware of the differences between Super League and the Premiership, they are used to making decisions quicker than we are but their lack of time on the field could operate in our favour."

After the midweek training session he expects to have Craig Murdock and Daio Powell in his squad.

It is the club's first real test against a Super League club since they came within minutes of beating Warrington who had top Welsh internationals Iestyn Harris and Jonathan Davies in their line-up.

This time Deakin expects a big threat to come from Jason Smith who will attack down the left wing, and Tony Smith who has lightning pace.

"May no mistake this is a big test - a massive test - for the players, the coaching staff and the administration who have to show that they can cater for a big game," he said.

The club expects a 5,000-plus crowd and have warned fans to turn up early.

"We will have all the turnstiles operating but fans should get here in plenty of time. We will have pre-match entertainment and aim to make it an occasion everyone will remember," said marketing manager Gary Murgatroyd.

The televised game between Leigh and Salford will also be shown Live in the Hall of Fame bar before the game. "It is a chance to enjoy a superb double-header." he said.

Saturday's A team fixture against Workington has been postponed because the pitch has been waterlogged throughout the week.

"We want to make sure the pitch is in as good a condition as possible for Sunday's game."

n The rearranged Batley game will be either Wednesday or on Sunday, February 24.