Ex-Leeds Rhinos pivot Jack Sinfield reveals why he 'stepped out of comfort zone' to join Wakefield Trinity
Former Leeds Rhinos half-back Jack Sinfield has lifted the lid on his move to Wakefield Trinity, insisting it is good to step out of his comfort zone.
The son of Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield played 29 times for Leeds between 2022 and 2025, but was released from the final year of his contract, at his own request, two months ago. He subsequently joined Trinity on a three-year deal.
The 21-year-old admitted it was a “big decision”, but insisted: “I think it was the right decision for me and my future.” He said: “I haven’t had as many opportunities as I would have liked over the last few years. That’s because I’ve had some great players in front of me.
“I think a fresh start will be good for me, it motivates you to start again. I have to build connections again and earn the respect of all the players and staff. Wakefield isn’t too far away so the change isn’t too big, but I'm enjoying it so far. My main goal to start with is to earn my spot in the team.”
Kevin Sinfield spent his entire playing career with Leeds and Jack stressed: “It’s different to what my dad did, but you can’t just base things on that. My dad has been very supportive of me coming here; he just wants what's best for me and the best place for me to continue my career. Those comparisons are all I’ve ever known, but this fresh start and stepping out of my comfort zone will be good for me.”
Trinity boss Daryl Powell played alongside Kevin Sinfield at Leeds and was the coach who appointed him captain. “My dad has told me a lot about Daryl,” Jack added. “A few of my friends have played under Daryl at different clubs as well, so I know a lot about him.
“He’s a very experienced coach and plays a very attacking style of rugby. That can only be good for me as a half. I think I’ll learn a lot from him. He’s a really good coach and a really nice guy, but he’s honest as well and knows what he wants from his players. I’ve only got good things to say about him so far.”
Trinity beat Rhinos twice in three meetings this year and confounded pre-season predictions by finishing sixth in the table. Assessing his new surroundings, Sinfield enthused: “It's definitely a club on the up. They’ve got a really exciting squad with a mix of experience and youth. It’s a really exciting time to be here; there’s a lot of investment going into the club and I can only see a positive future here.”
While Jack has been enduring the rigours of pre-season, his dad is nearing the end of his latest epic ultra-marathon challenge in the fight against motor neurone disease (MND). “I think he’s a bit mad, but I'm obviously really proud of him,” the new Trinity recruit said.
“The money and awareness he’s raising for MND is brilliant. I’m not sure I’d be able to do it. Growing up around him and how hard he works can only be good for me. To be able to look up to that and follow in his footsteps has been good. Some of the stuff he does is mad, but it makes me work even harder.”
Sinfield senior attends as many of Jack’s games as his England rugby union commitments allow, so will have divided loyalties when Trinity face Rhinos next year. Jack insisted: “He supports whatever I do, so I think he'll be a Wakey fan.”