Harlequins are aiming to complete a quickfire double over Bradford on Saturday to get their engage Super League play-off bid firmly back on track.

The Londoners, as high as fourth in June, had slipped out of the top eight before arresting a damaging six-match losing streak with a win at the Grattan Stadium last week. Unusually, Quins are now preparing to play a second Super League game against the Bulls in the space of six days as a result of a postponement earlier in the season.

McDermott, whose side could climb to at least sixth, said: "We've already started showing signs of momentum swinging in our direction and having our captain, Rob Purdham, back in the team will add to that."

He added: "We're on the up; the boys are looking fresh, fit and keen. Throughout the last six or seven games, belief never left this squad.

"While at times it's been frustrating for everyone to watch, I'm proud to say the group has been strong throughout it."

Purdham has been out for seven weeks after surgery to remove a blood clot from his wrist. Captain Chad Randall is also in contention to return after a knee injury.

Bradford's hopes of reaching the play-offs look to be over after falling seven points behind the pace with five games remaining.

But despite their lowly position, coach Steve McNamara is determined to ensure they finish strongly ahead of a squad revamp over the winter.

McNamara said: "We know we are a far better side than the league position shows and all the other sides in the competition know that too.

"The group we have got together is for now and, whether they are leaving or staying, they are a great group that have worked very hard together. They deserve more than they are getting at this moment in time."