Last updated: 3rd October 2007
Barrie McDermott says that Leeds Rhinos have to bulk up if they are to beat Wigan in the Final Eliminator.
Leeds will have another bite of the Grand Final cherry after they lost a pulsating qualifying semi-final against St Helens, but they face a tough encounter with Wigan who just seem to get better and better.
And after a highly-charged encounter where Saints prevailed 10-8 against a ferocious Rhinos attack, McDermott believes that they will have to re-think their tactics.
"I have this theory worked out know when the triangle of Wigan, St Helens and Leeds play," explained McDermott on Boots 'n' All online.
"When Wigan and Saints play it is about speed versus size and power, and I think the same can be said for when Wigan play Leeds.
"But when Leeds play Saints, it is speed versus speed. I think that Leeds have to totally change their tactic -- I think that they have to go for a little more size and power for the Wigan game.
The emphasis would have to be on more biff and barge."
McDermott had high praise for both Leeds and St Helens and said that their highly-charged encounter was a credit to the game of rugby league.
"We want people to be attracted to the game of rugby league and if ever we want to bring people in, we show them a tape of that game," enthused McDermott.
"I think that the people who play the game are just so athletic that it is untrue. But they are also absolute trojans and they play the game like their lives depend on it."
The Rhinos almost stole it when Danny McGuire successfully chased a kick ahead and flicked the ball up to the onrushing Brent Webb, who was stopped inches short of the line by a superb tackle from Matt Gidley.
"Gidley's tackle typifies the effort that all the players put in.." added McDermott.
"Webb was going to score but Gidley came from nowhere, cradled the ball and made sure Webb could not get it over the line.
"Again it is desperate measures and those little millimetres, never mind inches, that get you to the big finals."