Field of dreams

Kevin Sinfield

IT was a decision that shocked many people across the rugby divide, but it was a case of now or never for Oldhamer Kevin Sinfield.

After dominating rugby league for so long as a member of the all-conqueroring Leeds Rhinos team — seven Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenge titles and two Challenge Cups — the 35 year old decided to focus on rugby union with Yorkshire Carnegie.

Doubts that he would get a similar buzz from the 15-a-side game are gradually being dispelled.

Sinfield, who kicked five conversions and three penalties in Carnegie’s recent 56-7 defeat of London Scottish, said: “It’s very, very different. I went for the challenge. I’m realistic and I know I’ve only got a couple more years left playing, so I wanted to make the most of my career before I have to get a real job.

“I would have kicked myself in five, 10, or 15 years’ time if I hadn’t given it a go. It’s been a great challenge for me. I would have been disappointed if I had found it easy. It’s great to do something different at this stage of my career.

“I’m really enjoying it and that was a big concern going across, whether it could give me a similar buzz to rugby league after each game.

“I love game day. My concern was, can it fill that void? When you’ve done something for so long and then you take it away, it’s tough to replicate. But I’m getting better every week, I’m getting better with every training session, and I really enjoyed Sunday’s game against London Scottish. It was a great team performance. Hopefully I can keep getting better.

Sinfield admits the big test of decision to end his rugby league career will come when Rhinos start the new Super League season.

“When I look at the fixture list for the Rhinos, it’s obviously the big games I’ll miss. Hopefully rugby union will help to fill some of that void, and help to provide some other big games of our own.”