Harlequins RL boss Brian McDermott has read his players the riot act after watching them slip to a fourth straight defeat at Leeds Rhinos on Friday night.

Quins gifted the Headingly side an early 12-0 lead and never recovered to eventually go down 28-16, despite Chris Melling, Matt Gafa and Paul Sykes hitting back with tries for the visitors.

McDermott has blamed individual errors and a rising penalty count for costing his side dear in recent weeks following an encouraging start to the season that included an impressive victory at champions St Helens.

The Stoop chief has named and shamed those he believes have not delivered the goods in the defeats by Warrington, Bradford, and Wigan.

"We have got some work to do," admitted McDermott.

"We are improving in some areas and getting worse in others, but we can no longer hide behind the positives.

"Discipline is letting us down at the moment and we have got to get a grip of things quick.

"I have shown the players the horror show against Leeds and have embarrassed a few of them.

"There is no getting around the mistakes. They show an element of softness.

"That interests other teams, where we have been in positions to win games and put them to bed."

Melling did not escape McDermott's wrath for attempt-ing a pass "he hadn't earned the right to play" in gifting Leeds their opening try on Friday as the home side raced into a 12-0 lead.

The full-back atoned for his mistake with a try soon after, but the damage was done despite a stirring second-half fightback.

McDermott has no intention of resting his players for this weekend's Challenge Cup clash at French second division side Pia XIII, instead looking to make sure his side gets back on track.

"Saturday's game is about us going out there and putting in a performance for the full 80 minutes and we will be treating it like any other Super League game," said McDermott.

"How we turn up against Pia will determine how the next few games will go for us."