McDermott delighted as Rhinos stop the rot

The Rhinos have faltered badly in recent weeks but Ryan Hall underlined his predatory instincts with a clinical score in the 13th minute after collecting a delightful pass from Kevin Sinfield.

And tries from rookie full-back Ben Jones-Bishop and Danny McGuire in the final quarter of the match sealed the points at a rain-soaked Headingley Carnegie. Victory was no more than Leeds deserved after largely dominating a Hull outfit who defended their line stoutly for large periods but offered precious little as an attacking force.

Sinfield weighed in with four goals as McDermott’s men showed impressive spirit to eke out a win which lifts them two points above Hull after last weekend’s disappointing defeat at Catalan Dragons.

“Am I pleased with the spirit? I am but I don’t think that’s ever been a problem,” said McDermott, who singled out prop Jamie Peacock for special praise.

“Last week’s defeat at Catalan hasn’t been erased from our memories but even then the spirit, passion and desire to work for each other was there.

“It was just in the wrong areas but this was as focused a performance as I’ve seen for a while. I hope I see that again next week.”

McDermott was non-committal when asked if his side had secured a psychological advantage ahead of this weekend’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against the same opponents at the KC Stadium.

“Does this game have a bearing on next week? It does and it doesn’t,” said McDermott, who could be boosted by the return of Brent Webb and Kylie Leuluai after injury for this weekend’s crunch game.

“Obviously what we’ve got to do is replicate what we did defensively.

“But I guarantee that Hull will be different offensively next week.

“I’m sure we’ve rattled their cage so we better get ready.”

Hull coach Richard Agar felt Leeds had adapted far better to the greasy conditions at Headingley on Friday night but acknowledged the Challenge Cup showdown is now the perfect opportunity to avenge the defeat.

“Our play selection and offload selection was quite simply asking for trouble,” said Agar.

“Tonight was a setback but we’ve been building our performances in recent weeks and I’m certain we will see a reaction in the right manner next week when we meet them again.”