Sinfield’s final hurrah

WE DID IT!: Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield holds aloft the Challenge Cup after last year’s victory over Castleford at Wembley.

THE ILLUSTRIOUS career of the man Leeds fans love to call ‘Sir Kev’ takes in one last stop at Wembley tomorrow.

Kevin Sinfield, whose first steps in the game were taken under the tutelage of the late Mick Hough at Waterhead, is entering the final months of his long and successful rugby league career before taking on a new challenge in the 15-a-side code with Yorkshire Carnegie.

The 34 year old remains as focused as ever on the task in hand. With a clash against dangerous opponents in Hull KR on the horizon, the former Saddleworth School pupil is taking nothing for granted - particularly so, given Rovers’ terrific victories over Wigan and Warrington to reach their first final since 1986.

Last season the Rhinos’ skipper collected the domestic game’s big knock-out trophy for the first time after five final defeats.

“I don’t think it really changes all that much,” replied Sinfield when asked if this final would be easier to bear after last year’s 23-10 triumph over Castleford.

“There is a lot of excitement from our point of view in going back. Last year, there was quite a lot of pressure on us because of our history with the final. We are all relaxed and looking forward to it. But we are also treating it as a huge challenge.

“Hull KR are a good side and they have proven that this year. We will have to be at nothing short of our best. We are expecting to face the best of Hull KR, a side that have shown what they are capable of particularly in the Challenge Cup against Wigan and Warrington.”

Sinfield will break the record set by Eric Ashton in being captain in six Challenge Cup finals. To witness his final appearance at the iconic stadium in North-West London will be plenty of familiar faces from around these parts.

“Wembley finals are always great occasions and I will have my wife and kids and plenty of family there for the game,” Sinfield added.

“For us as players, the focus is on the game and then we can hopefully enjoy what is to come after it.

“It is certainly a great place to be a winner.”