Rhinos competing for places drives McGuire on
Leeds Rhinos stand-off Danny McGuire is delighted with the fierce competition for first-team places which exists at Headingley currently.
The Rhinos are set to face St Helens on Friday night at Warrington in the Challenge Cup semi final, and McGuire is feeling confident, although he knows Saints cannot be underestimated.
““With the semi final and the Super 8s on the horizon we are in a good position with our squad,” said McGuire.
“Everyone is fighting for their spot in the team. There are going to be some disappointed people ahead of Friday’s game but there will be opportunities for everyone between now and the end of the season.
“We are happy with the position we have put ourselves in and the important thing now is that we capitalise on that hard work in the Super 8s. We need to be focused and making sure we do not rest on our laurels.
“Saints have got some fantastic players and are well coached. I have a lot of time for Keiron Cunningham and I think he is a great coach.
“We will prepare as well as possible this week to make sure we produce a performance we can be proud of on Friday night.
On a personal level, McGuire is enjoying his rugby in 2015, with much of the team’s attacking structures being built around him.
“I am feeling good and really enjoying this season,” he added.
“I am enjoying my role in the team and if you feel like you are an important cog in the team then that makes a big difference.
“Brian McDermott has put a lot of faith in me. I have moved from six to seven and I have a little bit more responsibility; needing to do more of the organising.
“I am enjoying that role. I feel like I am playing well and I want to continue that form for the remainder of the season.
“I have tried to add things to my game and develop all aspects of my half back play by working with the coaching staff.
“You have to keep adapting and, although I am not scoring as many tries, I still get as big a buzz from setting them up now. I feel as strong and as fit as I have ever been thanks to our conditioning and medical staff.”