No let-up for sporting hero Sinfield

LIFT-OFF: Kevin Sinfield raises the Super League trophy.

OLDHAM’S top sporting hero Kevin Sinfield isn’t thinking of quitting rugby just yet.

The veteran Leeds Rhinos skipper led his team to a superb 26-18 Super League Grand Final victory over Warrington at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Winner of the man of the match award, Sinfield scored a try and kicked five goals as he and the Rhinos claimed their sixth title in nine years.

The former Waterhead RL junior is currently in a 24-man England squad in South Africa for high-altitude training. They are preparing for the next challenge, England’s autumn internationals.

“As soon as you hit 30, people try to retire you,” Sinfield (32) told the Chronicle.

“I do have an idea in my own head about when I would want to stop playing. If my standards start to slip before then, it would definitely be time to call it a day.

“I always love representing my country and we don’t get many opportunities to do it, with only three or four matches a year.

“So this trip to South Africa will be very useful. It is a big time for us all as players.”

Sinfield is front-runner for the England captain role — a decision will be announced soon.

England’s opening match in the international series sees them face Wales in Wrexham on October 27. Their first home fixture will be a week later in Hull, against France. The series ends with a final at Salford on November 11.

Sinfield travels to camp buoyed by the positive reception his club achievements have received both in the media and from regular supporters and well-wishers.

“It has been brilliant,” he added. “Lots of people from Oldham have got in touch. I really appreciate that and the great support people give me.”