Leeds Rhinos v St Helens: McDermott warns depleted Leeds side

Although the Merseysiders have uncharacteristically lost five successive games, they will have targeted the trip to Headingley as a perfect opportunity to escape from that rut.

Having already lost Stevie Ward for the season, champions Leeds are now missing Jamie Peacock and England centre Carl Ablett through injury while Australian second-row Brett Delaney is rated only 50/50 to feature.

It means youngster Liam Sutcliffe could make his Super League debut and fellow rookie Brad Singleton might also get a shot while fringe players Joe Vickery and Richard Moore are set to be promoted.

Considering Leeds are also still reeling from their Challenge Cup exit at Huddersfield, McDermott believes their opponents will sense an opportunity to strike.

“I don’t think they’ll come timid and trying to work out what we’re doing,” he said.

“We may have a young fella or two in the team and some blokes hurting and I think Saints will come straight at us.

“They have a good history at Headingley in recent seasons and we know they’ll be looking to get that win but our team that takes the field Monday will be more than capable.”

Saints are still missing key men themselves but have England international Jon Wilkin back from a two-match ban.