McDermott rejoins Leeds, Quins start search for new boss
Harlequins RL coach Brian McDermott will leave the Super League club at the end of the season to rejoin Leeds as assistant coach to Brian McClennan.
The former Great Britain prop has previously spent three years on the coaching staff at Headingley, working under Tony Smith, who took over from the club's last British head coach Daryl Powell in 2003.
During his time at Harlequins, McDermott has worked wonders with the financially handicapped side. Working with a limited budget, he has gained widespread admiration for moulding a side filled with youngsters to be competitive within the Super League. But it has become increasingly clear this year that McDermott was ready to move on, he recently was unsuccessful for coaching roles at England and Bradford, and his family have already moved back to the north.
McDermott said on the club’s official website: "I have really enjoyed my four years at Harlequins RL but now feel the time is right time hand over the reins. I want to spend more time with my family who are based in Yorkshire and this opportunity is very exciting.
"I am honoured and proud to have been a part of this great club’s history and leave in the knowledge that Harlequins RL will soon reap the rewards of the hard work and quality coaching taking place throughout London and the South East.
"When the season is over I will say some difficult farewells but until that time comes, I will give everything I have and hope to leave the club, and London rugby league, in the best possible state."
The two early front-runners to replace McDermott at the Stoop are Francis Cummins and Willie Poching, both former coaches at the Rhinos who were left surplus to requirements following McDermott’s arrival. Any potential candidates for the role, however, will be looking for reassurances about the club’s recruitment policy for next season, as already two of their brightest young talents, Danny Orr and Will Sharp, have decided to move on to Castleford and Hull respectively. Louie McCarthy, an England international forward, is also on the verge of completing a move to St Helens.
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