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Lee Radford believes Hull FC's knockout rugby experience can provide the edge as they aim to topple Super League leaders Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Castleford may be six points clear at the top of the league but Radford feels Hull can fall back on their tremendous experience gained from a famous journey to win the Cup last year.

Daryl Powell's men are heavily favoured to succeed at the KCOM Stadium, with Radford knowing only FC's best will allow them to progress through to the final four.

Hull's taskmaster insists his troops must take their opportunities to keep up with free-scoring Castleford in what he describes as the club's most important match of 2017 to date.

"I'm really looking forward to this game. Castleford have been the most consistent team throughout the season so far but in knockout rugby we are a good side on our day," Radford told the Mail. "We are expecting to be at our best tomorrow.

"You don't need any prods to get up for this match that's for sure. You get one shot at it ultimately and if you get that wrong, you get some free weekends. We don't want that option of time off because we want to be involved in this Cup competition as long as we can.

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"Catalans in the last round was the biggest game of our season and now this is by far. I cannot wait. We must take our opportunities and that's huge. Each knockout game was slightly different last year and it was the same when I played with Bradford and FC.

"The fact that a large contingency of our 17 performed in the knockout games last season was really important in the run to Wembley.

"That's what we are striving for. I'm hoping Castleford bring their best and we bring ours."

Radford, who welcomes back influential trio Mark Minichiello, Danny Houghton and Scott Taylor into his squad, says Hull must be strong in defence when Castleford are coming out of their own end to succeed.

"Castleford are playing good rugby. I've seen a lot of comments saying they are reinventing the game but they're just playing good rugby," Radford added.

"Offensively they are a brilliant side so if we invite them down our end, particularly for sustained periods, it will be a difficult afternoon. The key to playing these blokes is to make them come off their own try-line repetitively.

"To do that you need patience, discipline, and good execution - we've got all that in abundance."

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Lee Radford believes knockout experience can give Hull FC edge ... - Hull Daily Mail