Kallum Watkins raring to go when Leeds Rhinos take on St Helens
Thursday 2 July 2015 11:41, UK
Leeds Rhinos centre Kallum Watkins cannot wait for Friday's "massive" Super League clash with St Helens to come around.
Top spot will be up for grabs at Headingley with only three rounds left before the Super 8 phase begins, and there is also the added spice of the sides being paired together in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Watkins knows that all games between the Rhinos and Saints are big occasions but feels there is a little extra spark as both sides look to build momentum going into the final phase of the season.
"It is a massive game," said Watkins. "It is always a huge game between us and Saints. We have got a lot of history, we've been in a lot of finals together and experienced a lot of moments that people won't forget.
"It's a huge game in terms of the league and having that extra spice of knowing we have got them in the semis of the cup as well so it should be an interesting game.
"Wigan are up there as well and we've got them coming up next week. It is really tight. We've all been in and out of form but are still continuing to win, even when (we're) not playing well.
"Hopefully we can come up with a great performance and take that into next week."
St Helens hooker James Roby feels the added importance of Friday's game is down to the change in league structure, which he feels has been generally positive.
"The new format is definitely working," Roby said. "We are soon to break away into the Super 8s and it will get even more intense then.
"You really can't afford to have any weeks off. You can't afford to rest in attitude or not respect the opposition because, if you don't turn up with the right attitude, you are going to get beaten.
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"Obviously it is a massive game against Leeds. It is a bit more interesting with us sitting first and second in the table and we have just been drawn against each other in the semi-final.
"I suppose all eyes will be on the game as indicator of what is going to happen in the Challenge Cup also. It is one of those games - we have played Leeds enough times in the big games and we are looking forward to it.
"Obviously we would like to beat Leeds and leapfrog them. We are getting to the business end and we really need to kick on."
Watch the Leeds Rhinos go head-to-head with St Helens live on Sky Sports 1 on Friday - coverage starts at 7.30pm.
