Well, it's time. No second chances. No opportunity to get back on track next week. Sudden death, winner takes all, playoff football.

As we hit the business end of the season, there's a distinct tingle of anticipation as - this year - everyone fancies their chances of giving it to Salford. In the final six, two teams who have refused to bend the knee before the red tide - Hull KR... and Sunday's visitors to Spotland, Whitehaven.

Make no mistake, Steve McCormack will have his charges racked up and ready to roll by 3 o'clock on Sunday - and Hornets will need a performance of guts and guile if we are to progress into the next phase.

Despite their obvious resilience, Whitehaven have coughed and stumbled their way into the playoffs - scraping in by a point over Featherstone. And the reason? The amazing record of having drawn five of their 18 games.

They did however set themselves up for their run at the big-time with a 68-point blasting of hapless Dewsbury last week - and whilst the Rams had little to play for, shoving 12 tries through a team does wonders for confidence.

Leading the rout was livewire hooker Aaron Lester who claimed a Hat-trick. He was ably supported by David Seeds and Howard Hill who nailed a brace each.

As for Hornets... we'll need a major shift-up in form and attitude from last week's limp capitulation at Leigh. Without exception it was the worst performance of the season and Hally will undoubtedly be reaffirming the importance of digging deep and playing our more effective expansive game.

We've seen this season - even against the best in brief glimpses - how a well tuned Hornets side can demolish an opposition. And we need a big, big show on Sunday.

Ultimately, this is what we've worked all season for. It's time to see if we really do come good at the right end of the season. Forget everything that's gone before - this is the biggest game of the year.

We need to be at our absolute best for 80 minutes - and that's everyone. Players and supporters together. Whilst we've been relatively low in numbers this season, our passion and voiciferous contribution has been exemplary. You, me and everyone who ever claimed to be a Hornets supporters in this town of ours HAS to be there on Sunday. If we win, we all get a share of the glory and we get to do it all again next week.

If we don't - and you weren't there - you haven't earned the right to moan.

It's time - time for everyone who wears the red, white and blue with pride to stand up and be counted.

Onward Hornets, Onward.