Hull FC boss Lee Radford says he will use his contract situation to motivate both himself and his players.
The 39-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year deal in 2016 and has since guided the Airlie Birds to two Challenge Cup wins and a pair of play-off finishes.
However, 2018 included 11 straight defeats and Radford may need to start the new season on a high to keep his job beyond 2019.
Hull begin their campaign away at local rivals KR on Friday and look to have a big week on the training ground after defeats to Wakefield and St Helens in pre-season.
The former England forward says he expects talks over his future to take place at some stage although he is determined to rise to the challenge.
"I am using the last year of my contract as a motivator and I want the players to use it as well with their respective situations," Radford told Hull Live. "They need to have that mindset.
"When the time comes to sit down, we will do. But the situation right now is all about getting off to a good start. That's ultimately what's getting me up and motivating me."