Experience will benefit our preparation, says McDermott

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott believes their preparation for Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final will be aided by the experience of their recent trips to Wembley – but insists it won’t matter a jot come gameday.

Recent trips to the capital for cup final appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2012 have ended in defeat for the Rhinos, but McDermott says that their preparation for the game will be benefited by their experience in the days prior to the showpiece event.

“We go through a process the closer we get – the bus ride down there, the Thursday and Friday night in the hotel. There aren’t many players and coaches who get through to finals,” McDermott said.

“At the same time, you can’t play on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you have to wait until the Saturday. The experience that we have means it will be easier with the prep.

“We know what the prep is going to be like but I don’t think that will help us on gameday. We’ll have to play well on gameday.”

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