Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott looks ahead to the Super League game at London Broncos.
What are you expecting from London?
First and foremost I think we can forget about their performance at the weekend in the Challenge Cup. They will have been bitterly disappointed with that game but we won’t see that type of performance from them on Thursday night. They will be determined to get their season back on track and finish the campaign strongly starting with the visit of the Champions to their own patch. I am sure that will have been the talk after the Wigan game in their camp and that defeat will have been put to one side almost immediately. They have got some emerging youngsters and Jamie Soward is a quality addition to their squad so we will not be underestimating them.
Will it be an emotional occasion?
There is plenty of emotions around the game with it being Kevin Sinfield’s 500th game in his career and of course following the sad death of Graham Murray. Kev and Jamie Jones-Buchanan played under Graham and many at the club have spoken about the lasting legacy he has left at the Rhinos. For Kevin is it an incredible achievement to have reached 500 games and it is testament to the complete professional he is. A good example of why he has reached this landmark is how he looked after himself with his recent injury, the way he lives his life and the sacrifices he makes ensures that if he gets injured, which is rarely, he is back ready to play sooner than most.
How is your side shaping up?
We have recalled Paul McShane to the 19 man squad ahead of us leaving for London in place of Jimmy Keinhorst. This is to cover for a couple of injury concerns we have and Paul gives us more options. We are pleased to have Kallum Watkins and Ryan Bailey back this week. Both players are looking forward to getting back on the field, Ryan after a lengthy lay off and Kallum following a frustrating week out last week having returned from injury just recently himself.
