Jack Sinfield is hoping for more game-time after making an assured senior debut for Leeds Rhinos during the Easter Monday defeat at Castleford Tigers. The highly-rated half-back and fellow Academy graduate Max Simpson were promoted to the first-team squad at Headingley during the off-season.
They have adapted well to a full-time environment, prompting interim head coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan to hand the 17-year-olds their senior bows in the televised clash at Wheldon Road. Sinfield grew into the game and his grubber kick created Leeds’ first try for Rhyse Martin and the teenager played the full 80 minutes as his family – including father and legendary former Rhinos skipper Kevin Sinfield – watched on from the stands.
Having got his first taste of Super League action, the Saddleworth Rangers product is hoping to feature in Friday’s pivotal home clash with Toulouse Olympique. Reflecting on his debut, Sinfield said: “I was alright. The more important thing is the team and we didn’t get the win, but hopefully we can bounce back on Friday and come up with some points then.
Read more: Crucial Leeds Rhinos games Jack Walker will miss as he recovers from hamstring injury
“I base my game on my kicking game and, if I can get that right, I get confidence off that. Hopefully I can keep learning, keep getting better and hopefully bring some more to this team. It was disappointing to lose, but to make my debut with Max, who is a good mate of mine, was really special - and having all my family there made it even more special.
“I really enjoyed every minute of it, despite the result. The more minutes me and Max can get, the better for the both of us. We’ve been getting a lot of minutes in the academy and reserves and both really enjoying that, so wherever the minutes are coming from I am going to try and keep enjoying my rugby and getting better and learning.
“I’ll just take the minutes as they come really, just keep focusing on working hard and hopefully keep getting better and keep learning. Hopefully the minutes will come with that.”
Sinfield could be needed on Friday against relegation rivals Toulouse with Blake Austin having been forced off early at Castleford with a head injury.
He failed his HIA and will miss the visit of Sylvain Houles’ men, and Sinfield said Austin and fellow Aussie Aidan Sezer had helped his development this season.
“Blake has been really good with me,” he explained. “We play in similar positions and he has really looked after me - and the same with Aidan. I have learned a lot from both of them and they look after me, so losing Blake was not ideal, but we have to react to moments like that and still find a way to get a result.
“I had to step up because Kruise (Leeming) isn’t a natural half-back, even though he’s brilliant there. I get on with Kruise as well, it’s easy for me to work with them because I think we have quite a good relationship off the field as well.”
Leeds have endured a traumatic campaign and lie just one point above bottom side Toulouse ahead of Friday’s showdown. A new permanent head coach is close to being appointed and Sinfield added: “The team’s close.
“We’re not quite there yet, we haven’t quite got that finishing touch, but it is coming and you can tell it’s coming. Hopefully if we keep improving a win will come soon.”
