Brian McDermott: Championship toughness would shock Super League clubs

Toronto coach Brian McDermott revealed he has “ultimate respect” for the Championship and its players because of their incredible work ethic. 

The former Leeds Rhinos boss spoke about the differences between Super League and Championship following Toronto’s comprehensive win at the Summer Bash over Toulouse.

He said: “Super League has versions of toughness that some of the Championship won’t be able to match, but I tell you something, Championship has a version of toughness which would shock Super League clubs.

“A lot of the lads that we play come from building sites and come out from the work force. They know what it’s like to put in 40 hours a week and then double up and go training.”

McDermott continued by questioning the work ethic of players in the academy and the Super League saying: “Some blokes I trained over the years, especially academy players, have no idea what work ethic is.

“As well as being a head coach and trying to teach these players the game, you feel very responsible about teaching these blokes work ethic.

“I’ve got ultimate respect for this competition [Championship] because its full of blokes who have a dream of playing in the Super League.”

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