OVER the last couple of years, Brian McDermott has been the coach with the Midas touch when it matters.

A second consecutive fifth-place finish in the league was not what he would have wanted.

But once again that is where McDermott worked his magic.

From there, the ex-Royal Marine guided Leeds to their third trophy in just his second year in charge, avenging their Challenge Cup final heartache by beating Warrington, proving lightning does strike twice after mapping the same heroics the season previous.

And after missing out on the World Club Challenge trophy, McDermott will be craving that silverware once again come the end of the campaign.