'˜No magic wand' for Watkins insists Leeds boss

The elegant centre is rated one of the best backs in the world but, just like the defending champions as a team, has struggled for form this season.

Watkins faces Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup tomorrow night having endured a particularly poor display against the same opponents in last week’s 28-20 loss that left Leeds bottom of Super League.

But McDermott insisted: “Everyone looks at Kal and says ‘will you come up with something for us?’

“I reckon that’s what people have been doing. I know that as people keep saying it to me ‘Let’s hope Kallum does it this week…’

“But there’s no magic wand to be waved for Kal. He must feel a tremendous amount of pressure – he is human – and I think Kal’s been very good this year.

“While he’s not had the space – and this team has not provided Kallum with space and time to do what we know he can – he’s reverted back to some of the grunt, made some really hard yards, been very good defensively and is unbelievably watched.”

Watkins has scored just four tries so far and created only two more which is a poor return by his high standards.

But McDermott added: “Every time we attack an opponent down that right-hand side he’s unbelievably watched yet still does half a decent job

“He’s not getting over as many times as he wants or making as many line-breaks as he’d like but that’s less to do with Kal and more to do with the team and the opponents watching him.

“Yes, Kallum wasn’t great on Friday night but that’s the first one he’s had this year like that.

“I’ve got no problems with him and he’s in the same boat as everyone else – absolutely trying his hardest but probably not seeing things come off for him.”

Leeds do, at least, see the potential return of England full-back Zak Hardaker and Adam Cuthbertson after they were included in the 19-man squad but there is still no Danny McGuire.

Huddersfield have seen on-loan winger Gene Ormsby return to Warrington Wolves.