Brian McDermott admits he was close to writing off this season’s Super League campaign from day one after Harlequins RL all but saw their play-off hopes end at Hull KR last weekend.

The 42-6 defeat at Craven Park kept Quins mired in 13th spot, seven points off a top-eight spot with ten games to play.

And with the swathe of injuries that have decimated the London ranks this season, coach McDermott concedes he always expected a rough ride.

He said: “People keep talking to me about turning points and assessing the season but for us the turning point came in the winter.

“We lost Luke Dorn and Rob Purdham to long-term injuries and had Chad Robinson and Jon Wells retire.

“That was always going to make it a very difficult season for us.

“We put a brave face on things and said it would not affect us but of course it has.

“We were behind the 8-ball from round one and we have never really come back from that.”

Quins fielded another experimental line-up on Sunday, with Olsi Krasniqi, Ben Bolger, Andy Ellis and David Mills comprising an under-strength bench.

But McDermott insisted the arrival of the younger talent has been the one highlight of the season to date.

He added: “We have seen some young guys really step up this season and get some good game time under the belts.

“Although it is hurting us now it will help in the long run.

“Olsi has really fronted up, and Jamie O’Callaghan for example has played his best rugby in the last couple of games.

“We are not giving up and as long as the play-offs are still a mathematical possibility we will keep going.

“As far as effort goes there is no problem, but the reality is it was always a big ask.”

Harlequins RL’s next three matches: June 26 Wigan (h), July 2 Salford (a), 9 Bradford (h)