McDermott fears a backlash

Harlequins coach Brian McDermott expects a fierce clash with Wigan on Saturday as Warriors boss Brian Noble battles to keep his job.

Wigan have made their worst start to a season for more than 20 years, having lost all three of their Super League fixtures - including home defeats against Wakefield and Castleford.

Now McDermott, who played under Noble at Bradford, could push his old boss closer towards the sack. He said: "I know Brian and he won't be bothered by the pressure. If he's the right man for the job and if the club think he's the right man, then it won't worry him.

"He believes in what he does. Nobby won't adjust what he does for fear of losing his job. We are going to play a very determined team on Saturday."

Noble is the bookies' favourite to become the first Super League coach to lose his job in 2009. Quins won their only game of the season, away at Castleford, and led 20-0 before losing 36-24 against Australian champions Manly Sea Eagles last week.