We can reach Twickenham - Usasz

Tim Usasz first signed for Nottingham in the summer of 2007

Nottingham scrum-half Tim Usasz believes the Green and Whites have the ability to overcome Leeds on Sunday and reach the EDF National Trophy final.

Nottingham have lost two semi-finals in the last three seasons but Usasz believes that experience will help.

He told BBC Radio Nottingham: "As the old saying goes, you've got to lose one to win one.

"A lot of the guys carry memories from the last couple of seasons and are really keen to get to Twickenham."

Leeds have lost their last two matches in National League Division One but remain top the table and are still favourites for a quick return to the Premiership.

But, ahead of Sunday's clash (22 March, 1500 GMT), Usasz is not fazed by the side who have beaten Nottingham twice this season.

He said: "If you're going to make the final then you're going to have to beat the good sides to get there, so the positive for us is that we're at Meadow Lane.

"If we can start well and defend well then there's always a chance.

"We score a similar amount of points each week but both times we've played them we've found ourselves down by 10 or 15 points and that's very difficult to claw back".

The Australian-born player, in his second season with Nottingham, is clearly excited by the prospect of playing in a Twickenham final.

"To play in a final is a very special thing," he said. "And to go one further and play at the home of rugby would be an awesome experience".

Meanwhile, prop Matt Parr and fly-half Tim Taylor have signed new two-year contracts with the club.