Leeds coach Brian McDermott has signed a "ground-breaking" new deal with the club ahead of the start of the Super League season. McDermott has agreed an ongoing deal with the Rhinos instead of a traditional coaching or playing contract, which the reigning Super League champions claim is the first in professional sport. "This is recognition of Brian's ability, of what he's achieved so far and the diverse role he has within the club," chief executive Gary Hetherington said. McDermott signed a three-year contract when he joined the Yorkshire club in October 2010 from Harlequins, now known as the London Broncos. His new deal has no end date and is reward for leading Leeds to back-to-back Grand Final triumphs - despite the club finishing fifth in the Super League on both occasions - as well as the World Club Challenge last February. "This is a very exciting time to be part of the Leeds Rhinos club," said McDermott. "We have enjoyed a period of unparalleled success in the club's history with an extraordinary group of players." Leeds welcome Salford City Reds to Headingley on Friday night as they seek a third consecutive Super League crown. "We will kick off the new season with a strong squad and looking to give our absolute best in every game to try and challenge for all the honours once again," McDermott added. "However, in the years ahead lies an exciting opportunity to build a transition between this golden era and potentially the next one. "Whilst that will be a sizeable challenge, and one that has eluded clubs like Bradford and Wigan in recent decades, it is one we are confident we have the building blocks in place to give us the best possibility of achieving." | 
