McDermott delights in the magic of the Millennium

11:05am Friday 2nd May 2008

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Coach Brian McDermott is relishing the prospect of taking his Harlequins RL squad to Cardiff for this weekend's Millennium Magic Super League extravaganza.

The Londoners face French side Catalan Dragons on Sunday as part of the two-day, six-game rugby league showcase in south Wales - and the Quins coach cannot wait to get on to the Millennium Stadium turf.

McDermott said: "I love the Millennium Magic weekend and think it is a great concept.

"The RFL has shown great innovation to get this up and running and it really worked last year.

"You look at the concept - six games at one stadium over one weekend - and it should not work, but it does."

Quins attract the poorest crowds in Super League, so it will be a major difference to step out in front of 50,000 fans.

But McDermott says his side will not be overawed and points to last year's 34-28 win over Catalans at the same venue as proof.

"It has a real cup-final mentality to it," he said.

"Last year, the boys had a great time and it is a marvellous stadium in which to play rugby league."

Harlequins will be looking to avenge their 24-22 defeat by the French side at the Stoop on Good Friday, but their coach was quick to dismiss any talk of revenge.

McDermott said: "We don't owe Catalans anything but we do owe ourselves a performance and to make sure we do what we want to do.

"I am sick of doing previews and talking about what other teams have got and what we haven't got.

"We have to make sure what we've got we take on to the field."