Injury fears over McGuire

McGuire: Injury concerns

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Leeds coach Brian McDermott fears that Danny McGuire could be set for another injury lay-off after he hobbled out of the Rhinos’ Challenge Cup win over Crusaders.

The stand-off came on to replace full-back Brent Webb at Headingley but just 11 minutes later was forced off himself with a quad muscle problem.

McGuire only recently returned from a serious knee injury and McDermott now thinks he could have to endure another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“We are talking weeks. I don’t know what’s going through his head at the moment. He’s been in a dark place for months and months and months,” he said.

“Let’s hope it’s just a couple of weeks but he said he felt a pop and that usually means a tear.”

The Rhinos also lost second rower Chris Clarkson to an ankle injury nine minutes after the start of the second half, causing further disruption for McDermott’s side.

Confusion

“There was a point in time when we weren’t sure who to play where,” the former Harlequins boss admitted.

McDermott singled out Danny Buderus for praise after the 30-20 fourth-round win as the Australian took up a roving role with replacement Paul McShane on hooking duties.

He added: “I thought defensively Danny was outstanding for us. He was all over the field for us and came up one or two try-savers that would have changed the face of the game.

“I asked him where he was playing towards the back end and he said he thinks he’s made a position up. He called it rover.

“I just kept seeing his body fall in front of their surges near our tryline. I also thought Jay Pitts was outstanding. He came up with one of those try-savers that you think is impossible to do.

“He hasn’t played for a while but I think I’m right in saying he did 80 minutes and we needed some blokes to do 80 minutes.

Big win

“For the majority of the second half we had one rotation. Crusaders have got some players that scare the death out of you.

“Add to fact it’s the Challenge Cup and we had three blokes missing for most of the game and it amounts to a big win.”

Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris was left to rue Hep Cahill’s dismissal for kicking Rob Burrow on 58 minutes, a decision he felt was harsh.

“You expect your players to show composure and I think it’s important the referee is composed as well,” he said.

“I thought he needed to take his time over the decision. It was a little harsh. Did he intend to kick the player or the ball. I think he meant to kick the ball.

“We didn’t get a couple of calls but I thought there was real good commitment from us. If we show that attitude and willingness to work for each other in the second half of the season, we’ll win more than we lose.”