McDermott refuses to be distracted by Cup ahead of Salford trip

Brian McDermott’s side will reach Wembley if they defeat Castleford next Sunday and the knockout competition is seen as their best chance of silverware this season given they currently sit seventh in Super League.

But he insists there will be no problems keeping his squad’s eyes on Salford first as they are intent on making their mark on both fronts.

“We know that we need to be winning games now with five matches to go to put us in the best possible position come the play-offs,” said McDermott.

“We will deal with the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final from Saturday morning but our focus is very much on Salford this week.

“I think this is a very tricky challenge for us against a strong Salford side.

“They have lost their last two games but were producing some good performances before that and have got a new head coach in Matt Parish, that the players will be out to impress.”

Eleventh-placed City Reds know a victory is imperative to keep alive their own fading play-off hopes and are keen to reward their fans ahead of their imminent move away from their ageing home The Willows.

“Obviously they are coming to the end of their time there,” added McDermott, with Salford’s new purpose-built stadium due to be ready for the start of next season.

“I can honestly say that I won’t miss the old place,

“I am all for tradition, but it is time to move on and I am sure that Salford have some exciting years ahead.”

Leeds supporters can look forward to some excitement of their own with confirmation the elusive three-quarter Kallum Watkins, pictured, is set to make his long-awaited return from injury this evening although Brett Delaney and Weller Hauraki have both been ruled out through injury and Ben Jones-Bishop is also a doubt.

Hull FC have a tough task when they entertain champions and leaders Wigan Warriors this evening.

The eighth-placed Airlie Birds are one of the sides the likes of Salford will feel they can haul in if they slip to a third successive defeat.

However, Wigan coach Michael Maguire knows they remain dangerous having almost surprised them at the DW Stadium in March, Hull leading 10-4 at the break before eventually succumbing 14-12.

“They came here and it was very tough and they have been playing some good football over the last few months,” he said.

“Hull are fighting for every game, like we are, and will be tough.

“They have a big pack – that is well known. They play through their forwards and have got crafty halves that then feed their edges.”

Bradford Bulls, who head to Warrington on Sunday, have signed Crusaders’ flamboyant Australian half-back Jarrod Sammut on a one-year contract at Odsal.

The ex-Penrith Panthers star, 24, adds to their half-back options for 2012 after Bradford also signed England Knights player Luke Gale from Harlequins.

“Jarrod’s a player who can play nine, six, seven or one and you could perhaps throw him into the centres if you wanted,” said coach Mick Potter.

“He’s exciting to watch, can win you games and come up with an unorthodox play; it’s a very good signing for us.”

Sammut admitted: “The history of the club speaks for itself and they’ve got a good team there, which has been unlucky with injuries this season.

“I spoke to a few people before making the decision and nobody could speak highly enough about the club, so that put me at ease,” he said.

“There were other options but Bradford was the most appealing, one I’m really looking forward to and I aim to make the most of it.”