To be given the chance to go out on such a high is fantastic and I'm thrilled

Prop Barrie McDermott is almost certain to play in Saturday's engage Super League Grand Final against Bradford.

The 33-year forward was axed for this year's Challenge Cup final, but Rhinos coach Tony Smith has indicated he will have a role to play at Old Trafford.

"Between now and Saturday he'd have to do something pretty drastic in training to rule himself out," said Smith.

McDermott will join the Leeds coaching staff after hanging up his boots following the European Nations Cup.

But he is delighted to be ending his Rhinos career with another Grand Final appearance.

"To be given the chance to go out on such a high is fantastic and I'm thrilled to bits," he said.

"A lot of players a lot better than me don't get the chance to go out in a big game."

I think the best scenario is go out with a Grand Final winners' ring in my hand at Old Trafford Barrie McDermott

McDermott said he had rejected a host of offers to continue playing in favour of joining the backroom staff at Headingley.

"I gave Leeds an option but they declined," he said.

"They wanted to go in a different direction and I decided that I'd rather retire than go to another club.

"I had lots of offers, in Super League and National League, and that was a terrific compliment, but I have so much respect for the people at Headingley.

"I think the best scenario is go out with a Grand Final winners' ring in my hand at Old Trafford."