#021

In episode #021 of the Mantality podcast, Stevie chats with Rugby League coach, Brian McDermott.
Brian began his coaching career in 2003 as an assistant at Huddersfield Giants. In 2006, he took his first senior role as head coach for Harlequins RL, to then join Leeds Rhinos as head coach in 2010. Brian has led the Rhinos to several major victories during his 8 seasons with the club. He is Leeds’ most successful coach, winning 4 Grand Finals, 2 Challenge Cups, a league leaders shield and a world club challenge.
In this episode, Stevie and Brian dive deep into a range of topics, starting right back at his childhood, his time in the marines, his short career in boxing as well as the idea of ‘toughness’. They also look back over his time at Leeds Rhinos, leading up to now as the head coach coach for Toronto Wolfpack.
This is Brian’s first ever long form interview. It’s a very interesting chat and he tells us some stuff that no other media outlet has heard before!
We hope you all enjoy!
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[@craigholgate577]

I'm not really sure everyone always got Brian's honesty, integrity & intelligence at Leeds... whether win, lose or draw, his every response in post-match interviews were always an honest & considered one... brutally sometimes...!! I always remember in the on-field interview after winning the 2017 semi-final (against hull) & securing a place in the Grand Final saying (in an unusually emotional tone), that he'd learnt (in the face of adversity from the previous 2016 season) to "always hold your nerve & keep your council"... that will always stick with me...!! Thank you Stevie, for a fantastic interview with a truly inspiring & proud man...!!

[@AKAtAGG]

Recognise that childhood, holy shit. What a top man you are, Brian. What a great video, Stevie.

[@davidbolam2288]

Learnt a lot about Brian and understand a lot more about him and the current situation we are now in at Leeds. I honestly believe Brian will get stronger for his experiences and also believe his departure was the right one. In my opinion he needed to move on and I think he will be successful at Toronto and beyond. A great insight of a very honest and good man.

[@skree100]

Brian McDermott was the best coach in super league and will be again. I miss his press conferences very much. Leeds will survive this weakest of seasons but may not have had Toronto been instead of London. Great podcast episode.

[@odessaallones304]

Great pod cast , what a fascinating man Brian is .

[@cliffordmarkland2624]

Great podcast and always wanted to know about his upbringing and how he did in the marines great stories.

[@AKAtAGG]

Should still be at Leeds. Gutted that he isn't.

[@NicholasMew]

We're very glad to welcome him to the Toronto Wolfpack, and have nothing but respect for his achievements with Leeds and elsewhere.

[@ENLIGHTENTheShadows]

"Intelligent toughness, is knowing what your version looks like!"

[@stevewood238]

Great man

[@leightreymaine2459]

Brilliant man. No one really took into account the amount of injuries Leeds had in 2016 and 2018 .I know every team has injuries but not to the extent Leeds suffered in those 2 seasons.

[@EliteHawksHDGaming]

Leigh Treymaine I like how you appreciate and are honest about that. It’s hard for us Leeds fans to say it was down to injuries. It really was a huge part of it, it’s been massive for us. Now that so many senior players have gone, and the seniors who we have, are injured.. We need that experience and a leader now; to get that aggression out of our current players. Sometimes I even wish that Kevin would sit them down and watch the behind the scenes of the 2015 and 2017 season. Just to show them what they could have.

[@telstar9]

27.33 Think he meant Barry Mcdermott there