St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham has urged fans to get behind the team for Friday's clash with Hull.

Last season's Grand Finalists face the Airlie Birds in a game which sees Sean Long return to his old stomping ground in his debut for his new club.

And long time team-mate Cunningham is aware of the threat Long and his new-look Hull side pose to Mick Potter's men.

The hooker said: "The game on Saturday is going to be a massive clash against a strengthened and rejuvenated Hull FC team. It's my last season at the club and the club's last season at our historic home. We know that we can rely on great support from our fans and you can be assured that we'll be giving our all to get back to the top this year.

"Our fans can be a 14th man for us on the pitch and we are really looking forward to what will be a great atmosphere in a huge game to kick off our season. I will be taking greater pride than ever in leading the team out for my farewell year and I know that the fans will turn out in force and get behind us."

This year is likely to be Cunningham's last for the red-vee, with James Roby and Scott Moore waiting in the wings to take on the mantle of one of Super League's greatest ever players.

Hull have made a host of new signings in the close season, including former Australian internationals Mark O'Meley and Craig Fitzgibbon, together with scrum-half Long.