The champions go head-to-head with the French club, who sit third in the standings, in Friday's mouth-watering clash at Headingley Carnegie.

While Leeds have won four of the last five Grand Finals at Old Trafford, Trent Robinson's troops are going in search of their first-ever visit to the Theatre of Dreams.

The Dragons have won eight of their opening ten top-flight fixtures, while they also booked a Challenge Cup fifth round clash with Sheffield Eagles after winning at Hull KR on Sunday.

McDermott has been impressed by what he has seen so far from the Perpignan-based side and is looking forward to gauging how well the Rhinos are currently performing in Friday's meeting.

Contenders

"They are definite title contenders and Challenge Cup contenders. I went to see them live at Hull KR," he told Sky Sports News. "While it wasn't the most attractive game going, it was one of those games where you need to be a good team to win.

"Time will tell towards the back end of the year, but what they are not doing is winning games on luck or the opposition being poor. They are beating teams outright on a level playing field.

"They are normally good with the ball. They are a good, good attacking team, but they can defend as well. Not only have we got to stop them scoring tries, but we've got to break down their very good defence as well.

"We're actually looking forward to Friday night. It's a big game and it's a big challenge for us and we're going to find out where we are with our progression this season."

Preparation

Leeds have an away trip to Salford in the fifth round of the cup and McDermott is not disappointed the club have been paired against Super League opposition for the tenth straight time.

"It's not frustrating really. I wouldn't use that word," he continued. "It gives you a bit of whimsical smile when your name comes out against Super League opposition again.

"That's the hand we're dealt with and we'll deal with it. There are some positives to take out of it and if you were to speak to any of the Super League opposition that played teams from lower divisions at the weekend, I'm sure they had to overcome some of those psychological issues about playing a team you're well expected to beat.

"That's a bit of a distraction that in itself. At least we've had a bit of continuity and we know how to prepare."