St Helens 16 Leeds Rhinos 32: Sinfield hails coach McDermott after securing historic Grand Final victory

The West Yorkshire club, criticised and lambasted for much of the year, defied the odds to beat St Helens on Saturday in the finest finale of the Super League era.

Having finished fifth, outstanding Rhinos became the first side outside of the top three to lift the title, and did so in breathtaking style battling back from 16-8 down with just 16 minutes to go and aided by a marvellous contribution from thrilling scrum-half Rob Burrow.

But Sinfield, who has led Leeds in all five triumphs, paid particular praise to McDermott, who succeeded Brian McClennan last September and came under immense pressure when the side fell to as low as eighth as recently as July.

“He knew how much I believed in him and stuck by him,” said Sinfield, as Rhinos claimed their fourth title in five years, Wigan’s victory last season their only blip since 2007.

“If we hadn’t got to the Grand Final, if we’d bombed out in the play-offs, I’d still be right behind him.

“What he’s had to put up with is testament to a great, great man.

“He fully deserves it because there have been some tough times, whether he tells you that or not.

“There were some dark days for him but he knows the squad were always right behind him.”

McDermott re-joined Leeds, where he had been an assistant when they won their first title in 2004, after four years as Harlequins head coach.

He has become the first Englishman to manage a Super League-winning side since Brian Noble guided Bradford Bulls in 2005.

Sinfield, who has won titles with Tony Smith and McClennan, added: “We’ve got a great relationship.

“I’ve worked under some great coaches, I’ve got on really well with them, and I am really, really proud to work under Brian.

“To come through such adversity as he has at the start of the year, to where he is now, is great.

“I think he will be at this club for a very, very long time and I hope he is too.”