McDermott: Leeds face huge head coach decision

Barrie McDermott believes Leeds Rhinos face the most important head coach decision in their Betfred Super League history as the search for Richard Agar's replacement continues.

Agar stepped down from the role two weeks ago after nearly three years in charge following a difficult start to the 2022 season for the Rhinos, with his assistant and former Leeds player Jamie Jones-Buchanan taking charge on an interim basis.

Since then, Leeds have been eliminated from the Betfred Challenge Cup by Castleford Tigers and on Friday suffered a 26-0 defeat to St Helens at Headingley live on Sky Sports which condemned them to a fifth-straight home defeat - the worst start at home to a season in the club's history.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Saints, Sky Sports rugby league expert and Rhinos Hall of Fame member McDermott expressed his concern and spoke of how important he feels the choice of new head coach is.

"It's been a disaster, hasn't it?" McDermott told Sky Sports. "I've been like everybody else, watching out for a team which should have been competing and for which a top-four finish would have been a realistic end and goal for them to go at.

"But they're in big trouble now, there's no doubt about that. They're missing key players and missing the spirit of the Rhinos and they're missing a leader, be it a coach or an on-field leader to guide them around.

"Super League has not been without its bumps for Leeds Rhinos, but this is as bad as I can remember it. The two half-backs aren't firing, they look low on confidence and the leader they need in terms of that coach isn't there.

"It's the biggest coaching appointment in Super League history for the Leeds Rhinos."

McDermott, who played for Leeds from 1995 to 2005, wants to see