McDermott bemoans mistakes

Leeds boss in no mood to celebrate despite welcome win

Last updated: 27th May 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McDermott bemoans mistakes

Brian McDermott: Seen plenty to work upon despite victory over Bulls

I thought it was ridiculous the amount of times we came up with soft decisions and errors.

Brian McDermott
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

Also see

Coach Brian McDermott bemoaned mistakes despite Leeds beating Bradford 37-22 to maintain their unbeaten record at the Magic Weekend.

The 2011 title-winning coach this week spoke of a sense of panic about the state of the Rhinos' trophy defence and they entered the game outside of the play-off places.

While Danny McGuire ran in five tries, the Leeds boss was far from happy when asked if he was pleased with how his side had responded to Monday's 31-18 defeat to St Helens.

"Not really," he replied. "I thought it was ridiculous the amount of times we came up with soft decisions and errors.

"We scrambled well, but if you want to win a game you have to do that. I'm not going to punch the air because we did this or that."

But McDermott did concede McGuire's efforts had helped swing the game in Leeds' favour.

"That probably got us the game, long-range and individual brilliance rather than field position, kicking and defence," he added.

"Danny scored the five tries and you will say he played well, but I don't think anyone grabbed a hold of that game by the scruff of its neck.

"He's a half-back and responsible for how we manage the game."

Difficult conditions

The Bulls had taken an 18-6 lead at one stage but were unable to live with the champions after the break, and coach Mick Potter admitted conditions at a sun-drenched Etihad were difficult.

"When they came in at half-time and after the game, the extreme conditions had taken their toll," he said.

"The other team dropped down to ground to buy some time, slow it down. That was their choice I suppose."

Potter lost prop Craig Kopczak to an ankle injury in the very first carry, while Matt Diskin (shoulder) and Chev Walker (ribs) also picked up knocks.

He added: "Craig did his ankle in the opening tackle, but I don't know what happened. I'd like to have a look at the video. He heard a crack in his ankle, hopefully it's not too bad," said the Australian.

"Diskin has done a shoulder and that's not good news. He might be out for an extended period - he doesn't go down lightly.

"Chev has done a rib. That's another one. Someone got him in the back."

Sky Bet Odds:

Click Here for Your Free Bet