Dream is on

The legendary Johns played a starring role as fourth-placed Wolves produced one of their finest performances for many years on his debut for the club on Saturday - a 33-16 home win against world club champions Leeds Rhinos.

But both he and Cullen think there is more to come from the current Wolves squad, and after assessing the display against Leeds they are firmly of the belief that an appearance in October's Grand Final is now a distinct possibility.

The first step along the road to Old Trafford comes tomorrow night, Friday, as they attempt to secure a home tie in the first round of the play-offs by avoiding defeat at fifth-placed Hull in the final game of the league season.

The trip to the KC Stadium for an 8pm kick-off will be a test for Wolves but Johns, who has had the benefit of a full week's training and some much-needed rest after a hectic schedule in recent weeks, believes they are capable of meeting that and any other challenge ahead in their quest for a Grand Final place.

He said: "I think we showed on Saturday night that the potential is there to go all the way. It is up to everyone to keep up the high standards and keep pushing themselves.

"The big challenge for me is to repeat my performance or play better this Friday.

"For me, it's a new experience each week - I've never been to the KC Stadium and I haven't really seen too much of the Hull players so each week is a big learning curve.

"For the team as a whole, there is room for improvement compared to the display against Leeds but it was a big occasion and a big crowd, and I always knew we would win.

"But we've got to back that up against Hull and that is the test. This week we're away from home, Hull will generally get any 50/50 calls and we're going to be up against it. This game will be the true test of character for the side and for individuals."

Johns' belief in Wolves' potential has been echoed by Cullen, who is not expected to risk Ben Westwood (ankle), Mark Hilton (back) or Mike Wainwright (foot) at Hull even though the fitness of all three players has improved since they were ruled out of the Leeds game.

Dean Gaskell is fit again after a groin tear but the Wolves chief is expected to keep faith with the 17-man squad that fared so well on Saturday, and he has every confidence that they can gain an important result as they battle for third and fourth positions with Bradford and Hull.

"The players that faced Leeds have all earned the right to play, and we go to Hull confident and looking to build on that performance," said Cullen.

"We hope to benefit from a fresher Andrew Johns this week, and there are 16 other players around him that are now used to the quality of his contribution and delivery.

"Regardless of results in the play-offs, we have scored more points and won more games than we have done before in Super League and we want more - we're still aiming for third. We've never been able to offer our supporters a home draw in the play-offs before and we're desperate to do that.

"We were in the top four when the deal for Andrew Johns was done and we intend to still be there after round 28, then we feel we are in as good a position as any team to go all the way through to Old Trafford."

Like many in the town Cullen is still buzzing from the euphoria of Saturday night, and he was full of praise for Johns' contribution.

"He made the deal worthwhile after one game - he was that good and the night was that special."

Hull coach John Kear was at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday, but he felt that the experience would not really help him to thwart Johns tomorrow.

He said: "I thought Johns' contribution was immense. I didn't really learn too much though - I think everyone knows how he plays, it's just a massive task trying to stop him because he's obviously a very gifted player."

Expected team: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Chris Bridge; Lee Briers, Andrew Johns; Chris Leikvoll, Nathan Wood, Paul Wood, Logan Swann, Paul Noone, Jon Clarke. Subs: Mark Gleeson, Danny Lima, Andy Bracek, Chris Riley.

Round 28 permutations: Wolves will finish third if they win at Hull and Bradford lose at St Helens. They would then play at home to sixth (London, Wigan or Huddersfield) in the elimination play-off on Friday, September 23, kick-off 8pm.

Wolves will finish fourth if they win at Hull and Bradford avoid defeat at St Helens, or if they draw at Hull. They would then play at home to fifth-placed Hull on Saturday, September 24, kick-off 6pm.

Wolves will finish fifth if they lose at Hull. They would then travel to fourth-placed Hull on Saturday, September 24, kick-off 6pm.

* Cullen has heaped praise on Brent Grose after the full back received Wolves' Player of the Year award on Tuesday, when Dave Ashton won the under 21s award and Danny Colquitt took the under 18s honours.

"I've been absolutely delighted with Brent's performances and also his attitude," said Cullen.

"He's a joy to work with and I couldn't ask anything more from a full back."

* Wolves have agreed a settlement with Daryl Cardiss to release him from his contract, which had one year left to run. He has not figured in the first team this season.

* Wolves' under 21s were knocked out of the Senior Academy Championship play-offs after losing 32-12 at Bradford on Thursday.

The under 18s host Hull in the Junior Academy Championship play-offs at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

Hull v Wolves

Last meeting: Wolves 36 Hull 34, April 24, 2005. Henry Fa'afili completed a hat-trick, Graham Appo scored twice and there were other tries for Brent Grose and Ben Westwood. Chris Bridge kicked three goals and Appo landed one. Away results versus Hull in Super League (Wolves first): 1998, 32-28; 1999, 33-22; 2000, 12-26; 2001, 16-32; 2002, 19-16; 2003, 14-38; 2004, 18-25; 2005, 10-32. Hull squad: Shaun Briscoe, Nathan Blacklock, Kirk Yeaman, Gareth Raynor, Richard Horne, Peter Lupton, Ewan Dowes, Richard Swain, Paul King, Shayne McMenemy, Stephen Kearney, Paul Cooke, Motu Tony, Jamie Thackray, Tommy Saxton, Chris Chester, Liam Higgins, Garreth Carvell, Danny Brough, Kirk Dixon, Paul McNicholas, Graeme Horne, Scott Wheeldon, Richie Barnett, Danny Washbrook, Andy Bailey, Richard Whiting, Danny Hill, Matty Dale, Andy Last, Sione Faumuina. Links with Hull: Richie Barnett will join Wolves in 2006, while Toa Kohe-Love spent two years at Hull. Danger man: Paul Cooke's impressive form this season could yet earn him a place in the Great Britain squad. Form guide - Hull's last five competitive home games: Wigan lost 28-24, Leigh won 76-20, London lost 17-16, Huddersfield won 34-24, Leigh won 46-16.