Hard work satisfies McDermott ahead of opportunity to close the gap on Wolves

His side – who have overcome a shaky start to win their last six games – can close the gap to just a single point if they succeed at Headingley Carnegie.

Warrington remain, by far, the most potent team in the competition but McDermott feels there is much more to come from his own side too given, despite that run, they have yet to consistently impress.

“As a group we know that we are not quite where we need to be at present and, whilst I am not happy with that, I have to admit that it is not a huge concern for me,” he said, his side in fifth place.

“I don’t think any team can be very good from round one to round 27 and be able to compete for silverware come the end of the season.

“Clearly we have not been in great form since round one but the players have been working extremely hard over the last seven weeks to turn those results around and in the next fortnight we have a great opportunity against two of the sides above us in the table.”

Leeds head to St Helens in a week’s time and McDermott insisted: “Whilst we may not be the form team, we are an improving side who are taking strides forward every week.”

Brent Webb and Danny McGuire may have to “play through the pain barrier” if they make early returns from injury.