Sinfield takes cup pressure in his stride

LEEDS Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield has suffered his fair share of Challenge Cup heartache, but insists the pressure to end the club’s long wait for success in the famous competition is not weighing him down.

The Rhinos are the most successful side in Super League history having won six titles in the past decade and have appeared in as many cup finals since the turn of the century.

Leeds had lifted the famous old trophy for the first time in 21 years with a thumping victory over London in the 1999 showpiece and returned to the final the following year, only to lose to neighbours Bradford at Murrayfield.

That 24–18 defeat began a curious period in the club's history which leaves Oldhamer Sinfield (33) facing the possibility of ending his career without a Challenge Cup winner’s medal.

Sinfield, who will line-up against Warrington in Saturday’s last–four showdown, said: “If my career ends today, I’d feel so fortunate that I’ve played here for so long in a great team and played under some fantastic coaches.

“We've had some highs along the way, but we’ve certainly had some lows.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to win it. We've had a fair few shots at it and got a few silver medals, so we’ll be doing everything we can on Saturday.”