Hungry Murphy full of hope

HAVING shaken off injuries which ruined his first season at Oldham RL, Chris Murphy plans to mount a serious challenge for the Roughyeds' full-back job in 2013 under new coach Scott Naylor.

The 23-year-old player has signed a new one-year contract, despite being restricted to a handful of senior games last season.

"Full-back is my best and favourite position," he said. "But Miles Greenwood made the No. 1 job his own last season and his consistency, allied to my injury problems, meant I had no chance of getting anywhere near the full-back's jersey.

"This time it will be up for grabs (Greenwood has left to join Batley) and I'll be going into pre-season training fully fit and raring to go for the first time in four years. My aim is to show the new boss that injuries are behind me"

Said Naylor: "Chris needs a bit of luck. If he gets it, he will benefit from a good pre-season and then kick on from there.”



AS he prepares to lead England for the first time, Oldhamer Kevin Sinfield insists he will have to continue to fight for his place in the team.

The inspirational Leeds skipper was an obvious choice to succeed his Rhinos team–mate Jamie Peacock as captain of the national team but, on the eve of tomorrow's game against Wales in Wrexham, he says his appointment does not make him an automatic selection.

"I never thought that at Leeds either," Sinfield said. "I never take my place for granted. I never rest on my laurels.”





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