McDermott: Leeds were really poor

Leeds’ head coach Brian McDermott admitted the Rhinos weren’t good enough to lead Super League after falling 31-12 at home to Huddersfield on Thursday.

A tight first-half left the teams tied at 12-12, but Leeds thought they had broken the deadlock on 52 minutes when Danny McGuire crossed the line, but it was disallowed by video referee Roberts Hicks for obstruction in the build-up.

The Giants quickly took control, scoring 19 unanswered points to secure the victory and deny Leeds top spot.

“It looked a try to me – I couldn’t see where anybody was hindered in the build-up,” said McDermott.

“I don’t think it was pivotal, our attitude and lack of bite, both offence and defence was pivotal. We had a chance to go two points clear tonight and we’re not good enough to lead the comp at the moment.”

“I give Huddersfield a lot of credit because I thought they were tenacious and showed a lot of endeavour but I don’t think it was a great game and I don’t think they played particularly well.

“They didn’t play us off the field and I thought we were really poor. Huddersfield absolutely deserved the win, but I wouldn’t put it down to a great performance.

“Some of their goal-line defence in the second half got them their win, while we trying to invent plays and pretty much running up our own backside.”