Brian McDermott relishing top-of-the-table tussle

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott says he is enjoying the competitive nature and tightness of Super League’s top five and thinks the intensity will suit his side.

Currently only four points separate first-placed St Helens with Warrington Wolves in fifth and, with six games remaining, the League Leaders’ shield is still anyone’s for the taking.

“It’s good that it’s so tight,” McDermott told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“If you asked me if I’d like to be 10 points clear, I’d probably say ‘yes’. But, at the same time, I am not sure about that.

“Everybody in the top five or so could finish top and that’s how it should be.

*YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK’S LEAGUE EXPRESS ONTO YOUR COMPUTER, SMARTPHONE OR TABLET BY CLICKING HERE*

“St Helens are top at the moment, Wigan are second and we are third. We have got to play both those teams towards the back end this year and we will turn that around.

“What we have been involved in is some unbelievable contests, once again. I remember this time last year, when the season started getting to its climax, we were involved in some massive, intense games.

“It seems every game we play is a tough game. I can’t remember an easy game, whether we score a lot of points or whether we lose or win, they are tough, intense games.

“There is no quarter given to us, whether that be the officials, or the bounce of the ball or the way we play.

“While it’s not easy week-in, week-out dealing with that – it makes your job hard to operate at that level – in actual fact it’s what you want. You want to be running at that intensity week-in and week-out, because, at the end of the year, you have got to be like that.”

What do you think about this story? Discuss this, and many other Rugby League topics, on or free fans’ forum. Want more Rugby League news and features? Subscribe to the online version of League Express newspaper and Rugby League World magazine. You can also connect with Total Rugby League on the social media platform of your choice.