McDermott: I am panicking

Brian McDermott admits his is panicking after losing to St Helens on Monday night, with his side lying in eight place.

Leeds fell to a second half collapse, drawing 12-all at half time before losing the game 31-18.

McDermott feels his side are too relaxed, and relying on a burst of form to appear similar to last season when Leeds went onto win the Grand Final from fifth place.

McDermott said: “I don’t like being eight. I want to be first in the league, I want us to finish top and not mess about waiting for this mythical back end of the season before Leeds switch on.

“That is a very dangerous route for us to go down and this is not helping this group.

“I know everyone else is saying we are all right after what happened last year, but I’m panicking. I’ve just asked the team if they’re in the comfort zone, wondering if this mythical back end will happen for us.”

Despite the disappointing defeat, McDermott feels his side played well in parts against the Saints.

He said: “In spells we had a lot of passion and desire, and came up with some big plays defensively.

“But I though overall at crucial times in the game they moved quicker than we did. It pains me to say it but I though St Helens wanted that game more than we did.”