Sinfield backing new boss

Sinfield: Happy at Headingley

I signed a new contract just before the Grand Final in October and I'll stay here (at Leeds) for the rest of my career.

Kevin Sinfield
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Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield feels the arrival of Brian McClennan has helped refresh the reigning Super League champions.

The former New Zealand boss has taken over from Tony Smith, who left Headingley after last year's Grand Final success at Old Trafford.

McClennan knows he faces a tall order replacing Smith, though it seems he's made an excellent early impression on his new players.

Sinfield admits that the new coach has settled in quickly and that his enthusiastic approach has rubbed off on the squad as they prepare to defend their crown in 2008.

Change

"We had been playing under Tony for four years and, although it's not for me to say what the shelf life of any coach is, perhaps after four years either the squad needed to change or members of the coaching team did," he said.

"Brian has come in and everybody is refreshed and pumped up and really looking forward to the new season.

"He has brought enthusiasm and a freshness and he is a great thinker of the game. I think he will be fantastic. He's settled in already and the players are very happy."

Testimonial

McClennan will get the first chance to see his international stars in action when they face Oldham in a game that is part of Sinfield's testimonial.

The skipper, who became the first Leeds player to score in every match in a season last year, has been with the club since 1994 and is planning to stay put for the rest of his career.

"Time has flown," he said. "It's been a great experience and I love the place.

"I signed a new contract just before the Grand Final in October and I'll stay here for the rest of my career.

"It means a lot to me. I don't want to play anywhere else."