Quins coach hunts play-off place

Harlequins head coach, Brian McDermott says his players remain driven and determined, despite their recent run of results.

Memorable victories away at Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers earlier in the season saw the Londoners sitting comfortably within the play off positions. However a recent run of defeats has seen them flitting between eighth and ninth.

“Of course the players are very disappointed,” McDermott said “but they are as determined as ever. Nobody ever wanted to get to this stage where we would be fighting to survive and stay in the playoffs.

“There was a period this season we were going to make playoffs and everyone was wondering how high we would finish. Now we’re battling, partly because of injuries and also due to our performances.”

However, McDermott admitted he is proud that the mood in the dressing room remains upbeat and confident.

“It’s humbling to hear the players talk with such drive to get into the playoffs. There’s no apathy within the squad and no one lacks the desire.

“The boys have shown that they can beat anyone this year so, even after our recent run of results, there’s still the belief we can put things right.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s meeting with Hull FC who currently lie 12th in the engage Super League, McDermott said:

“Hull have had a bit of an injury crisis all year it seems, as soon as they get one player back, they lose another.

“In general, it’s the same side that made the grand final only a few years ago, so they are a quality team.”