Jason Chan might be days away from a crunch derby with adopted club Hull KR but he's looking past Friday's clash with fierce city rivals Hull FC and one place up the Super League ladder.
Chan is set to taste his first Hull derby since joining Rovers on loan from Huddersfield Giants in the middle of July as the two meet in their third and final regular season clash at the KC Stadium.
However rather than worry about the small matter of Hull FC, who are almost ruled out of play-off contention, five points adrift in 12th, Chan is looking just above at eighth-place Widnes Vikings.
Widnes currently occupy the last remaining play-off spot by two points and a place ahead of Chan and Hull KR with three matches left but have won just twice in their last six in all competitions.
Rovers are seeking an historic maiden clean sweep of derby wins by either team - although despite his reluctance Chan is looking a little further ahead to securing play-off football.
"Widnes are catchable and with the squad we have I think we can overtake them," said the Australian-born Papa New Guinea international, who'll return Down Under at the end of the season.
"We have some very good structures in place and we have to stick to them against Hull, Catalan and Wakefield. They are all winnable games for us between now and the end of the season.
"Between now and the end of the season I want to play all the remaining games. I want to stay injury free and play my part in getting Rovers to the play-offs.
"I'm determined to leave this club on a good note and hopefully I can do that. This club is clearly on the rise with very good foundations and a successful under-19s side this season. The future looks good."
Meanwhile Salford Red Devils forward Steve Rapira, who joined on a two-year contract from NRL outfit New Zealand Warriors last September, has returned home on compassionate leave.
Salford are currently tenth in the Super League table, two points adrift of Hull KR with three games to go and a trip to Wakefield up next on Sunday, although Rapira is hopeful of a swift return from New Zealand.
"We will keep in further discussions with Steve," said Salford chief executive Martin Vickers.
"At the moment he is planning to return."
Meanwhile Danny McGuire is determined to ensure his pivotal role in Leeds Rhinos' first Challenge Cup final victory in seven attempts since last lifting the trophy in 1999 didn't come at the cost of injury.
McGuire scored a try and kicked a late drop-goal in the 23-10 win over Castleford Tigers at Wembley but damaged a rib during the match and was rushed to hospital after the final hooter.
Leeds are one of four teams tied on 32 points in the Super League table and welcome leaders St Helens on Friday.
"It is nothing serious; it's just ribs - rib cartilage. I will just see how it goes, see how it settles down," said McGuire.
"It is one of those injuries that takes a while to settle down and it might be a case of just cracking on with it."
Fixtures
Thursday
Warrington Wolves v Huddersfield Giants
Friday
Hull FC v Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos v St Helens, Widnes Vikings v Wigan Warriors
Saturday
Catalan Dragons v London Broncos
Sunday
Wakefield Wildcats v Salford Red Devils, Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls
Source: AFP
