Unpredictable Moon shines for McDermott

The club bought Moon from Salford Red Devils for an undisclosed fee in November 2012 and he quickly established himself as one of Super League’s top centres.

However, the ex-New Zealand Warriors star has unexpectedly slotted in at stand-off for much of this season and proved just as influential there as in-form Rhinos mount their latest title assault.

Moon will line-up alongside captain Danny McGuire again as they attempt to defeat Super League leaders Castleford Tigers at Magic Weekend in Newcastle on Sunday.

With Kevin Sinfield having long retired and McGuire approaching his 35th birthday, it begs the question whether McDermott sees the former Exiles centre as the long-term answer to any creative conundrums.

“I wouldn’t say he’s a long-term half-back yet, but I’ve got no plans to move him from that position right now,” said the head coach, about the gifted 28-year-old who started out his NRL career as a stand-off and is one of the game’s silkiest runners.

“I don’t think he’s doing anything different by the way – he’s just doing it in the middle third of the field instead of over on that left side.

“If you can work out what that is then let me know; that’s the strength of him – his ability.

“Sometimes you think ‘what the hell is he doing? Is he falling over or tripping up?’

“And then ’Oh no, he’s made a break.’ And that’s how he looks.”

McDermott will welcome Kallum Watkins back on Sunday after the England centre was rested in the Challenge Cup win over Barrow Raiders.

He also sees Australian second-row Brett Delaney return but has – perhaps crucially against Castleford’s formidable pack – lost two of his main props to injury in Mitch Garbutt (concussion) and Keith Galloway (knee surgery).

McDermott explained: “Unfortunately he got something caught in his knee yesterday (Wednesday) at training so it looks like he’ll be having a bit of a clean-out there.”