Time running out for McRae as Reds slide deeper into trouble

Shaun McRae's bottom side are now three points adrift of safety following last week's home defeat to relegation rivals Hull KR.

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With Catalans Dragons again immune from the drop, the Reds' best chance of survival looks to be in catching Rovers but a trip to second-placed Leeds - with leaders St Helens next up - is hardly ideal.

Yet McRae, who took charge two months ago, is refusing to give up hope despite having just five games to engineer an escape and his club having not won at Leeds for 30 years.

The Australian former St Helens and Hull coach said: "There is no written script in sport, so anything could happen on the night.

"The only thing I know for sure is that I'm taking a committed, confident and determined team to Headingley."

Salford's plight is starting to look terminal but Rhinos coach Tony Smith has not forgotten that the Reds managed to shock Bradford last month.

Smith said: "We have seen so often this season, that this is the most evenly matched Super League ever and every team, be it at the top or the bottom, is capable of beating any other.

"That was demonstrated the other week when Salford beat Bradford and we are fully aware of the dangers that confront us."

Leeds must also make do without two key players as they look to move back level with Saints at the top. Full-back Brent Webb is beginning a four-match ban for two high tackles at Harlequins while scrum-half Rob Burrow has a rib injury.

One interesting aspect of the game will see new Salford signing Phillip Leuluai, who made his debut off the bench against Hull KR, come up against his nephew and fellow forward Kylie.

Another member of the Leuluai family, Thomas - nephew of Phillip and cousin of Kylie - will also be in action trying to get Wigan's play-off bid back on track.

Wigan seem to be out of Salford's reach but are still languishing in the bottom half after a four-point deduction for breaching the salary cap was compounded by last week's loss at Warrington.

Coming soon after their shock Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Catalans, the Warriors have endured a dismal few weeks and coach Brian Noble will hope to turn things round as Huddersfield visit the JJB Stadium.

It will be the Warriors' first home game for a month and Noble said: "It's important we perform well.

"Our composure in practice this week has been really good. We've looked like a team and I am pretty excited by what we might achieve.

"I want a performance that will kick-start the rest of the year. I have to say the amount of professionalism this week has been extremely good.

"We are creating the opportunities, we do look really exciting with the ball at times and at the right time but we have been making the wrong decision."

Wigan are now three points off the play-offs following their deduction while sixth-placed Huddersfield could move up to fourth with a victory.

The Giants won convincingly, 41-16, when the sides met at the Galpharm Stadium in April.

Huddersfield are without inspiration Brad Drew for personal reasons.