Super League: Brian McDermott gives Leeds Rhinos seven out of ten for St Helens defeat

Rhinos led 4-0 at half-time, but conceded a converted try soon afterwards and were unable to get back on terms in a tense Betfred Super League opener.

“I thought it was a strong performance for the first game of the year,” McDermott said. But asked if he felt a draw would have been a fair result, he admitted: “Probably not.

“I thought Saints tactically were very good in terms of field position.

“I thought their kicking game was the difference between the two teams.

“They were great on their kick returns, their kick-chase was great.”

McDermott hailed an “outstanding” performance from full-back Ashton Golding. But he said: “If I am going to be really critical of our attack near their tryline, I didn’t think we did enough, I didn’t think we were inventive enough.

“If I had to give our offense a score out of 10 I think it was a healthy seven, but I don’t think you can come to St Helens and have a seven out of 10 offensive game, you have to have an eight or a nine.”

McDermott said skipper Danny McGuire has “a chance” of returning from a quad injury when Rhinos visit Leigh Centurions a week today.