McDermott: impressed with Rhinos
Leeds coach Brian McDermott could not hide his delight after his in-form side crushed Castleford 56-0 to claim their fifth successive victory.
The Rhinos were pushed all the way by Terry Matterson's men in last Sunday's Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final at the Keepmoat Stadium and needed extra-time to seal a 10-8 golden-point win.
This contest between the historic rivals was far more one-sided, however, as Leeds maintained their winning run ahead of their Wembley date with Wigan in a fortnight's time.
The Rhinos have struggled for consistency this season, but McDermott said: "That's the first time all year we've done what we all know Leeds can do.
"I know we've put some points on some teams this year, but that's the first time I've looked at it and thought 'wow, this is pretty special'.
"I know we've put some points on some teams this year, but that's the first time I've looked at it and thought 'wow, this is pretty special'."
Brian McDermott Quotes of the week
"We looked hungry for it in the second half and it was impressive stuff from our players to still tackle as though it was 0-0. Everyone got through the game without injury and that's a huge bonus."
Performance
The Rhinos look to be hitting form at just the right time as they gear up for Wembley and the end-of-season play-offs.
Asked if he believed his side could snatch a top-four finish, McDermott said: "I don't know where we are in the league or how may points we've scored and conceded.
"It doesn't matter. All we've got to do is keep playing the best we can play and then crack on from there when we got the play-offs.
"But I stopped looking at the league table about eight or nine rounds ago when performance became the biggest thing for me."
McDermott must now decide whether to rest any of his key players for next weekend's trip to lowly Harlequins, with the Cup final looming the following week.
He added: "We haven't got the largest squad and we've got to be careful with what we do. Wembley is massive for us but the league is also important."
Spent
"We were spent, in all areas, and we need to regroup for the remaining games to try and get in the top eight."
Terry Matterson Quotes of the week
Castleford were hampered by injuries and were missing a host of forwards as well as playmaker Rangi Chase, who is currently out of the country following a court appearance in Australia.
Tigers coach Matterson, who revealed Chase would be back at the club on Monday, said: "Emotionally, after last week, we were knackered.
"After going behind following an absolutely diabolical error from Richard Owen, heads went down and confidence eroded.
"We were spent, in all areas, and we need to regroup for the remaining games to try and get in the top eight."
Source: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_7096412,00.html
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