Sinfield grateful to return

Sinfield: Grateful

This is the first series I've been involved in where I've felt I have played like the coach wants me to play

Kevin Sinfield
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Leeds loose forward Kevin Sinfield has expressed his gratitude to the England coaching staff for allowing him to take his club form to international level.

The 29-year-old, who has not always been consistent in his England performances, was dubious of whether his international career would continue following his omission from last November's World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.

Sinfield was later ignored for the mid-season game against France but after contributing notable displays in the Super League for his club the Rhinos skipper was recalled for the Gillette Four Nations and has impressed in the tournament so far.

Preparing for the all-important clash against New Zealand at Huddersfield, Sinfield was adamant he would repay former Leeds coach Tony Smith and his assistant Steve McNamara for allowing his return to the international stage.

Delighted

"I didn't play in the mid-season Test and I didn't know if the World Cup was the end for me," said Sinfield.

"I didn't really know what to expect. But I was delighted to get a shot and even more delighted to be asked to play the way I want to play.

"This is the first series I've been involved in where I've felt I have played like the coach wants me to play.

"A lot of the time we have tried to copy how Australians and New Zealanders play but I'm not a typical NRL player, I'm a Super League loose forward and that's a little bit different.

"Instead of trying to change what I do and make me into something that I'm not, Tony and Steve Mac have put some faith in me this time.

"They've said 'go do what you do for Leeds', which has been fantastic. I'm not a 16 stone guy who can punch holes in people."

Buzz

Sinfield, who is one of only a few survivors from the World Cup to make the squad, says the England camp is buzzing with the addition of young talent and he is hoping the high spirits will boost the team for their showdown with the Kiwis at the Galpharm Stadium.

"To have some young guys around who have got some real special qualities around broken play has been great," said Sinfield.

"I've really enjoyed the camp this time. The spirit and culture is probably the best I've been involved with.

"Before we played the first game, I could tell the mixture in the squad was very good."