Leeds Rhinos defensive effort at Castleford pleases coach Brian McDermott
Last Updated: 03/04/15 5:55pm
Brian McDermott credited a strong defensive performance as the key factor in his Leeds Rhinos side's 26-12 win over Castleford.
The Rhinos moved clear at the top of the Super League table as they ran in five tries, Ryan Hall picking up two of them.
However, it was the defensive effort that most pleased the head coach as Leeds prevented the Tigers from ever getting into their stride.
"That was a great performance," McDermott said. "It was a tough old game and a contest throughout; I don't think we were ever comfortable that we'd win.
"We didn't see the best of Castleford, Justin Carney or a few of their players. But we did a good job defensively, and needed to because they can play.
"We saw a lesser version of Castleford offensively today and you have to credit our defence for that."
McDermott was also pleased with the way his side coped with the injured, and Rugby Union bound, Kevin Sinfield at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, singling out Liam Sutcliffe and Danny McGuire for praise.
"Kevin has not played with us before and we've been all right," he added. "There's lots and lots you need to say about Kevin and rightly so, but we're cracking on.
"Between Sutcliffe and Danny McGuire it was their best 80-minute performance. McGuire has been good since the start of the year and Sutty kept it nice and tight."
Both Leeds and Castleford are back in action on Easter Monday, with the Rhinos hosting Wakefield and Cas travelling to Warrington.