While the hype continues to build ahead of this weekend's encounter with LA Galaxy, there is still the F3 derby tomorrow night.

Three competition points against Central Coast Mariners, would bring the top six firmly within reach as Newcastle look to build on recent momentum.

"We can't control the media and what the media write about the Beckham match," Culina told the Newcastle Herald.

"It's a fantastic thing for the region and Australia that we've got such a big match."

However, Culina has reminded his players that A-League points are the priority and those are only on offer against the Mariners.

"But for us, we don't get any points for the Beckham game but we do for the Central Coast game and that's where we need to focus," he added.

"Until that is over, we won't be thinking about the Galaxy or Beckham. We need to put that out of the picture, because the important thing is to prepare for Wednesday."