Rhinos must begin building their momentum for Wembley challenge

The Challenge Cup final against Warrington is not until two weeks tomorrow but he maintains the work has to begin when Widnes Vikings arrive this evening if they are to have any chance of lifting that elusive trophy.

“We have two important games in the next fortnight against Widnes this week and then over in France before we head to Wembley,” said McDermott.

“It is important that we start to build some momentum in our performances, as we did before the semi-final (versus Wigan).

“That starts against Widnes. We had a good win at their place earlier this year but they’ve beaten Wigan this season so they have quality within their ranks to cause teams problems if you are not on your game.”

Leeds, who can draw level with fourth-placed Catalan if they secure a 15th league win of the season, are at full strength bar Brent Webb, who completes a two-game ban.

Rhinos were out of sorts at Hull KR on Sunday when they trailed 18-6 before recovering to nudge a single-point win.

McDermott said: “Obviously the first half was disappointing but Hull KR played particularly well.

“It shouldn’t be underestimated how difficult it is to turn the momentum of a game and I thought we did well in the second half to outscore them.”

Huddersfield Giants coach Paul Anderson has reminded his players of the importance of another win at Salford tonight.

Victory against Catalan was only a second in 10 Super League games but he admitted: “I’m not going to say that we won one game and now all our problems have been resolved because that would be the wrong thing to do.

“Reality is we showed some improvements and if we don’t keep improving then we will become stuck again.”

n Castleford Tigers have signed Sydney Roosters winger Justin Carney from next season.

Coach Ian Millward knows him from his time at Canberra and said: “He’ll become a crowd-pleaser with his dynamic style. No-one will run the ball harder or faster than Justin in Super League next year.”