Crossbar challenge!

Kevin Sinfield (right) and Leeds Carnegie's Joe Ford with the new posts on the relaid Headingley pitch

OLDHAM rugby stars Kevin Sinfield (right) and Joe Ford mucked in to attach a new crossbar at Headingley Carnegie Stadium as part of a £1million reconstruction of the stadium’s pitch.

Leeds Rhinos skipper Sinfield and Leeds Carnegie man Ford marked the historic raising of the new rugby posts and the home-town pair later took the first kicks at goal at them.

Kevin and his England team-mate Sam Tomkins have also been nominated for the 2012 Golden Boot prize - awarded to the best rugby league player in the world.

Sinfield captained Leeds to a sixth Grand Final triumph and led England to victory in the autumn international series.

It has been a superb year for the former Waterhead RL junior. As well as catching the eye at club level, he described captaining his country as the proudest moment of his career so far.

The veteran was chosen by England Rugby League to succeed Leeds Rhinos team–mate Jamie Peacock as England skipper.

Sinfield’s appointment was announced to the England senior squad during their first night on African soil as they started a 10–day high–altitude training camp in Potchefstroom ahead of this year’s autumn international series, which they capped with a 48-4 defeat of France.

“I am immensely honoured to captain England Rugby League, it is my proudest moment,” he said.