Former Australia prop Mark O'Meley believes Hull's play-off credentials will go on the line when they make the trip to struggling Leeds this weekend.

After a shocking start to the season, the Black and Whites are one of the form teams of the Super League with four wins from their last five propelling them up to seventh in the table.

On the other hand, the Rhinos couldn't be in worse shape with three successive defeats cranking up the pressure on boss Brian McDermott and former Kangaroos hooker Danny Buderus, who continues to be linked with a return to the NRL's Newcastle Knights.

But ex-Canterbury and Sydney Roosters powerhouse O'Meley insists Hull will not take the three time champions, who they entertain in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals a week later, lightly.

"They are two huge games for both clubs in the next week and I don't go in for the 'good time to be playing Leeds' stuff that is going around," said O'Meley.

"They are a champion team, I'm sure they will be really up for this game to show their fans what they are capable of and we've got to be ready for that.

"We've been in their position at the start of the season but we stayed strong despite the results and injuries we had and we're getting the benefits of that now," O'Meley said.

"We're approaching the business end of the season and we've got to step it up again. We're in the top eight now but we want to get as high up the table as possible.

"In both the NRL and Super League there have been teams that have come from nowhere to do well in the playoffs and I see no reason why we can't do it.

"The big thing is creating some momentum and it would be fantastic to carry on building that with a win at Leeds."

New Salford supremo Matt Parish has wasted little time in sticking the boot into his squad - and wants a response against Hull KR.

Parish, who was Ricky Stuart's right-hand man with NSW in the recent State of Origin series, arrived in time to see the Reds hammered at Hull last week.

Salford's playoff hopes now hang by a thread and Parish said: "I've spoken to the boys about last Friday because it was very disappointing.

"The senior players have got to step up and I will be judging each guy on how they play from now on, not on what they have done in the past.

Meanwhile champions Wigan, who went top last week, have been given a double boost ahead of the visit of strugglers Wakefield.

Former Knights centre George Carmont has shelved plans to retire to sign a new deal while ex-Newcastle prop Ben Cross has joined until the end of the season following his release by Leeds.

Carmont, a huge favourite with Warriors fans, said: "I was approached by the club and asked if I could play for another year.

"I had considered hanging my boots up and returning home but after a lot of thought and talking to a few people I decided it was the right decision to stay another year."

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