Harlequins end speculation over coach by signing McDermott for three years

McDermott was out of contract at the end of this season and had recently been linked with the vacancies at Huddersfield and Warrington.

New deal: Harlequins coach Brian McDermott

However, the former Bradford prop, who took over in July 2006, will now stay in London until the end of the 2011 campaign.

'There's been a massive amount of hard work done here,' he said. 'I'm really pleased to be seeing the job through.'

McDermott's future at the club had been in doubt following his comments in the wake of their 18-16 defeat by Catalans Dragons at the start of May.

The former Royal Marine had questioned his side's commitment and desire after the Millennium Magic loss to the French side.

Quins chairman Keith Hogg said: 'I'm delighted we've agreed terms with Brian. His reputation as one of the bright young coaching talents in British rugby league is well deserved.

WEEKEND GUIDE

HARLEQUINS v LEEDS (Today: Twickenham Stoop, 5.0, Live on Sky Sports 1)
Rikka Sheriffe (quad) is ruled out for Quins but David Howell should play despite needing 13 stitches last week in a nose and lip wound.
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook could also make a return. Jamie Peacock is included in the Leeds side, but Ryan Hall is dropped.
Prediction: Away win.

WARRINGTON v HULL KR (Tomorrow: Halliwell Jones Stadium, 3.0)
Winger Kevin Penny is available to return to the Warrington side after missing victory over Harlequins last week, but caretaker James Lowes may opt for an unchanged side.
Rovers are considering playing Stanley Gene although he is troubled by a rib injury.
Prediction: Home win.

CATALANS v WIGAN (Today: Stade Gilbert Brutus, 8.0)
Aaron Gorrell is back for Catalans after two games out with a shoulder injury, so they only have David Ferriol and Cyril Gossard still missing.
Cameron Phelps is set for his Wigan debut but Phil Bailey (groin) and Gareth Hock (ankle) are doubtful.
Prediction: Home win.

HULL FC v CASTLEFORD (Tomorrow: KC Stadium, 3.15)
Danny Washbrook (hamstring) and Stuart Berrigan (knee) return from injury for Hull but Gareth Raynor is still out with a leg problem.
Brent Sherwin could make his first Tigers appearance since the Millennium Magic game but Awen Guttenbell is definitely out of contention.
Prediction: Home win

WAKEFIELD v HUDDERSFIELD (Tomorrow: Belle Vue, 3.30)
Jason Demetriou is set for a shock return at centre, nearly three months after suffering a serious neck injury against Wigan, while Brad Drew faces his old club after missing last week due to a family bereavement.
David Hodgson is the only absentee for Giants, with a knee injury.
Prediction: Home win.