The non use of subs is a strange one, and what you say above is the only way I have been able to rationalize it these last few years.

An incredible achievement. About a year ago I watched McGuire limp off away at London, he had gone the whole season without a try and looked shot. To produce the end of season he has is the mark of a great competitor as well as great talent. That pick up for the try was pure class.
After cas away and even wakey away in august I would have not believed this end. McD's ability to mange a season's end is exceptional.
Tough conditions but cas dropped too much ball and the hardaker factor must have taken a toll.
Leeds forwards stood up again. They should all take a bow. Briiscoe and stevie ward magic night for them.
I can't speyk.

I think it's worth noting that he rarely if ever employs the same subs strategy in play off games. I would go as far as saying the McDermott more than any other coach uses weekly league games as preparation for more important games to come, with the two points being sometimes less important than the lessons learned. Yes, in this structure wins are important to secure a good league position and make the top 4, but ask Cas fans tonight how much the 8 points they took off us in the league matter right now? McDermott is a master of getting his team ready for when it matters the most. In the cup semi they were caught out by a Hull team playing close to their best, and the players and coach were devastated. Tonight they made sure they didn't make the same mistakes twice. McDermott's methods may not be universally popular, but 4 Grand Final wins against 4 different teams says it all.

+1

Mags now takes his place as my all time favourite Leeds player. I'll have to change my user name (sorry Dave Heron). Maybe "Danny McGuire's Knees" - DMK sounds good to me

McGuire has to go down as the greatest player in GF history. Tonight's showing and 2015's 2 try MOM performance, clinching try in 2004 and 2 tries in 2008. Scored a try in our losing effort in 2005 and put in the kick for Smith's winner in 2009.

Taken from the VT....

Outstanding defensive performance and I actually think we deserved a complete shut out.

One of McGuires best games in a Leeds shirt and it is somewhat fitting that Sinny Mags and Rob all now have two MotM awards in GFs.

I think Cas actually played prety well in the first half but they seemed to think they could blow us out the water and when they didnt they seemed to get frustrated and eventually crumbled in the second half.

Wish Burrow had been given more minutes, but given the nature of the game I can understand not bringing him on earlier.

FWIW I think Cas will win it next year especially if they keep Hardaker.

hardaker will be banned mate.



Congratulations on the victory tonight. Champion side are leeds. I went to Manchester Uni between 2007-11 and went to enough grand finals to know what leeds can do when it matters, and tonight was right up there. To see us decline a shot at goal after 3 minutes left me gobsmacked. Again, doesn't change the outcome but experience and game management in the big games is massive.

Cracking post - well done lad!

Refusing the 2 in the big game seems a hallmark of Powell coached teams. Very naive,

Think you're right there they turned down 6 straight forward points from pens. 6-7 could have gone on to be a very difficult game.

Hats off to BMcD once again, letting Cas trounce us all year was a master strike of forward planning...

I feel sorry for the doom mongers who can't or won't contribute to our success/ celebration because of embarrassment for the utter cack they've spouted this year. As Sir Kev eloquently put....this ones for you!

Different level again last night adding Gale & Roberts to his collection of HB's who he has dealt a GF masterclass to.

Great win. Wished I'd been there but Marge took me to matiritus. Thanks to radio Leeds and a you tuber for saving the day. Mot