THIS is the big one.

That was the verdict of York City Knights star Darren Callaghan ahead of tomorrow's (Sunday) crucial trip to Swinton Lions.

The Knights visit Park Lane knowing a victory is vital to maintain their push for the LHF Healthplan National League Two title and at the same time effectively end the Lions' own outside chances.

And utility ace Callaghan, who looks set to keep his place in the centres, said the players were well aware of the significance of tomorrow's encounter.

"It's definitely the most important game of the season," he said.

"We came in this week and had a good talk. We've said this is a Grand Final game and in fact all five games left are Grand Final games. If we win them all we should win the championship.

"This is the big one. They beat Barrow last week and they beat Hunslet not long ago and they've now got to play us and Sheffield. If their results go well they've got a chance of going up.

"But we're all raring to go and there's good competition for places.

"Richard Agar (coach) has put a good quote to us: 'You're only renting a shirt for 80 minutes,' and we go along with that. We've got to perform as individuals and more importantly as a team. It's a team effort and hopefully we will come up trumps."

Callaghan was a try-scorer when York hammered Swinton 44-24 at Huntington Stadium in May, but both he and the team have not maintained the heights of that eight-game winning sequence in mid-season.

However, two consecutive wins have put the Knights back in the title hunt, and a third straight victory would provide Callaghan with a fine belated birthday, the York-born ace having turned 28 last week.

He added: "On a personal note I don't think I've been going as well as I can.

"I had a good month in May but not been as good recently. I'm trying my hardest, though, and it's not through a lack of effort.

"But it's a team game and as a team we haven't played as well as we can recently. People might be waiting for someone else to get it going when really we've all got to get it going, but we know what's at stake and we'll be giving it everything."

Updated: 11:46 Saturday, August 14, 2004