ESSEX Leopards may have nothing to play for at Reading Rockets in the National Trophy tonight – but skipper Carl Josey is still desperate to come out on top.

Leopards have already been eliminated from the Trophy after losing four of their first five games in the pool stages of the competition.

But Josey wants to come out on top to secure an eighth successive victory against a Reading side the Big Cats will also soon be taking on in the semi-finals of the National Cup.

“It’s an interesting one this weekend because the game means nothing but winning is a mentality more than anything else so we want to keep our momentum going,” said Josey.

“Win or lose we will still be out of the Trophy but we want to the win without showing Reading too much prior to our cup semi final clash against them.

“Ultimately I think it’s a good chance for us to assess Reading before that game and to also give our bench a chance to gain some experience and help us develop as a team.”