Legend Kevin Sinfield 'delighted' by Leeds Rhinos revival, says Super League in 'really good place'

Betfred Super League round 11 began with Rhinos, who visit Wigan Warriors tomorrow (Friday), in pole position, ahead of St Helens on points difference. It is the first time Rhinos have led the table for any length of time since 2015, when Sinfield captained them to an historic treble in his final season as a player.

Leeds were champions again two seasons later, before a tough spell as the club’s greatest era came to an end. Last year was their first top-four finish since 2017 and Sinfield, now a coach in the England rugby union set- up, said: “It is great to see them back.

“I think they are doing a wonderful job. The stadium looks fantastic and they are playing really, really well. I think Brad [Arthur, Rhinos’ coach] has done a great job so I am delighted to see them top of the table and I hope they can keep it going.”

Sinfield’s son Jack came through Rhinos’ system and spent four years in the first team squad before joining Wakefield Trinity in pre-season. Trinity have become a force in Super League since bouncing back from relegation and are on course for a second successive top-six finish.

Sinfield reckons it’s positive for the sport to have other clubs challenging for honours, alongside traditional big guns like Rhinos, Wigan, St Helens and Warrington Wolves. “It is great to see Wakefield doing well and I think the competition looks particularly strong, certainly that top-six, seven or eight,” he noted.

“I really like the influx of the three new clubs [Bradford Bulls, Toulouse Olympique and York Knights]. I think they have added some real impetus to the competition. I think squad depth is going to get tested as teams and clubs get injuries, but I think the competition is in a really good place.”