Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield full of praise for his Rhinos after clinching Super League title at Old Trafford

Last Updated: 07/10/12 3:57pm

Kevin Sinfield: lifted the Super League trophy for a sixth time as Leeds skipper

Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield hailed the way his side "dug in" to retain their Super League title with a 26-18 victory over Warrington at Old Trafford.

The Rhinos lifted the trophy for a sixth time in the summer era after finishing the regular season down in fifth place, just as they had done in 2011.

Sinfield played his part, kicking five goals from as many attempts to earn the Harry Sunderland Trophy, given to the player judged man of the match in the Grand Final, for the second time in his career.

"Where were we a month ago? We were dead and buried," he told Sky Sports. "We got a 'towelling' at Huddersfield and you couldn't have written this again.

"Our boys have really dug in for a month now, against Wakefield, at Catalan away and at Wigan away, and this.

"Thankfully we find a way to win. This place (Old Trafford) has been kind to us.

"It (the club) is special. Not just the players and the coaching team, the backroom staff, our fans and our families. They don't stop believing. When things aren't going well they stick with us.

"Most people close stick with us, and this is for them tonight."

Kylie Leuluai echoed the sentiments of his skipper, as Leeds finished up as champions for an astonishing fifth time in the last six years.

"I don't like the word surreal but it feels like that," said the veteran prop.

"It's been such an up and down season, the same as last year. I couldn't believe we beat Wigan last week but to then come here and do this, that's pretty special.

"We've got a tight group here and we've ridden the wave up and down."