Leeds Rhinos' goal-den boy Rhyse Martin targets Coral Challenge Cup final glory against Salford Red Devils

The Papua New Guinea captain joined Rhinos after their 2019 Coral Challenge Cup campaign had ended in dismal defeat at Betfred Championship side Bradford Bulls.

With coronavirus having forced a change of format, Rhinos entered this year’s tournament at the quarter-final stage - when Martin made his competition debut in a big win over Hull KR - and he produced an outstanding performance in the semi-final defeat of Wigan Warriors 13 days ago.

“It is my first season playing in the Challenge Cup and it’s very exciting,” Martin said of the prospect of tomorrow’s Wembley showdown with Salford Red Devils.

“I know I’ve only had to play two games to get there, but I am getting the feelings and emotions from the boys who have been there in the past and have worked really hard to try and get to a final.

“I am very lucky and privileged to get there in only two games and I am excited and really looking forward to it.”

There is one obvious downside this year, with the final being staged behind closed doors.

Martin - who Googled Wembley after the semi-final, to check what he is in for - admitted: “I am just upset I won’t get to experience it with a full crowd.”

But the 27-year-old, who was born in Queensland, Australia, stressed: “We have a job to do, it is all business.

“We are used to playing with no crowds now and we just need to get this job done.

“We have got to prepare as if it’s just another game, it’s just at a big stage in a big stadium.

“I think we have to turn up like we have been doing in the last month - when we’ve been really professional and working hard for each other - and enjoy it.”

Rhinos may be slight favourites, but Salford are also in good form and Martin warned: “They are very similar to us in a way.

“They have got a strong middle, experienced halves and good outside-backs.

“The way they play is expansive, they like to throw the ball around and test teams defensively and they have the skill and the players to do that.

“I know a few of their boys - Tui Lolohea, Krisnan Inu and Pauli Pauli - and I’m happy they get to play on a big stage.”

Leeds are aiming for their 14th win in the competition and first since 2015, but defeat would be the club’s 13th in a Cup final, setting an unwanted record.

Martin, who has kicked 13 goals in this year’s competition, reckons lifting the trophy in his second season at Leeds would be “massive”.

The former Canterbury Bulldogs second-rower joined Leeds in July last year, when they were battling against relegation from Betfred Super League and insisted: “I came over here to win competitions and to get that so early on would be awesome for me.

“It is about getting the club back to where it wants to be and should be.

“The team we’ve got and the squad we’ve got, we are heading in the right direction. What we have got to do is win this game and keep building for years to come, but for me that’s the whole reason why I came over there.”

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