Video - World Club Challenge: First-half exertions took their toll on depleted Leeds Rhinos, says Brian McDermott

Leeds Rhinos' Mitch Garbutt, second right, punches North Queensland Cowboys James Tamou, resulting in a red card during the World Club Series match at Headingley. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA.

The domestic champions lost 38-4 at Headingley after both Wigan Warriors and St Helens were vanquished by Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters.

It is a second year running Super League has endured a 3-0 whitewash but McDermott maintains there is merit in the competition. Leeds, depleted by injuries, had shown great spirit to go in at half-time level at 4-4, but the Cowboys scored within seconds of the restart and never looked back.

“I thought the physicality of that first half took its toll during the game,” said McDermott.

“When their big fellas carried up the middle and backed themselves we didn’t match them physically.”

McDermott admitted his prop Mitch Garbutt was “silly” after becoming only the second player to be sent off in World Club Challenge history. Leeds finished with 12 men after the Australian was red-carded for punching James Tamou in the 71st minute.

Garbutt reacted after Leeds team-mate Keith Galloway was first struck by Tamou.

McDermott said: “Mitch was very passionate in the second half – a lot of our players got frustrated – but it was silly from him.”