McDermott frustrated by lack of cutting edge (From Wandsworth Guardian)

McDermott frustrated by lack of cutting edge

9:43am Monday 28th June 2010

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Brian McDermott admits Harlequins RL must rediscover their ruthless streak if they are to have any chance of ending the Super League season on a high.

The Londoners were downed 36-12 by Wigan Warriors on Saturday, despite enjoying a wealth of possession and territory.

And after seeing his side stumble to their third straight defeat, McDermott agreed things have to change.

He said: “We had enough possession to win the game and we were near their line enough times but we were just not clever enough.

“We have a very definite style of rugby and sometimes it works great, but on other occasions we play into the opposition’s hands.

“That was the case against Wigan and it is very disappointing.

“It is not something we can change though, as if we go out on to that field looking to have an arm-wrestle with the other team we are always going to come off second best.

“These are the tactics we have to use, we just needed to be smarter.”

Jamie O’Callaghan and the returning Ben Jones-Bishop grabbed the Quins tries as the Stoop side closed to 12-20 at one stage, only for Wigan to run in three late tries.

The Londoners now head to Salford on Friday night and are likely to be without David Howell, who suffered a collarbone injury at the weekend.

McDermott added: “People ask me if I am frustrated with the situation, but I am not frustrated as it is a reality.

“Players getting injured seems to be the norm for us and we have to accept it and get on with it.

“David will have a scan and I am hoping the word ‘season’ does not come up in the doctor’s report.

“We had players playing out of position against Wigan and we just have to knuckle down and work through it.”

Harlequins RL’s next three matches: July 2 Salford (a), 9 Bradford (h), 18 St Helens (a)

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