KEV: FOCUS ON GAME NOT DROP

KEVIN SINFIELD has banned all talk of relegation ahead of a game that could make or break Leeds’ season.

The champions know a win over Warrington in today’s Challenge Cup semi-final will send them into their relegation battle on a high. However defeat – especially a crushing one – could seriously dent confidence and morale going into the Middle

8s survival scrap.

But new director of rugby Sinfield is refusing to look at the problems that may lie ahead.

The Leeds legend (right) who took over from sacked coach Brian McDermott, said: “Everyone wants to talk about the relegation battle.

“But that’s further down the track

– we need to get this week right. Our performance is crucial.

“I don’t think we’re in a position really to talk about winning.

“To think about anything other than our performance would be naive.”

Leeds have won one, drawn one and lost two since Sinfield took over last month but their last game was a real body blow. They went down 38-22 to fellow strugglers Salford and Sinfield said: “It was horrible. I’m under no illusion how big a task it is.

“We’re going to face setbacks along the way and it’s going to be tough but ultimately I believe we’ll get there.

“We have been the underdog many times and we have been able to use it to our advantage and we’ll try to do that this time.”

Leeds have several injury worries but Steve Price’s fourth-placed Warrington go into today’s semi-final with virtually a fully fit squad.

Warrington v Leeds, Today, 2.45pm, BBC1