Tony Smith has paid a rich tribute to “amazing human being” Kevin Sinfield following his remarkable fundraising exploits to help support Rob Burrow.
Smith was head coach of Leeds Rhinos when Sinfield skippered the Headingley giants to victory over Bradford Bulls in the 2004 Grand Final.
It was Leeds’ first title success in 32 years and laid the platform for a period of sustained dominance, with Sinfield going to skipper them to seven Grand Final victories and Burrow ending his glorious career in 2017 with an eighth winners’ ring.
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Much-loved Rhinos legend Burrow was tragically diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019 and Sinfield, who recieved special recognition at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, has gone to extreme lengths to help raise over £7million for MND charities with three major gruelling running challenges.
Smith, preparing for his first season in charge of Hull FC, told Leeds Live: “Kevin is a good person and he always has been – he’s been a great team-mate and a great leader.
“He’s showing similar sorts of traits that he did all those years ago in that rugby league team [at Leeds]. He just continues to be a good leader of people, set great examples and go above and beyond what most people would do.
“He approached his rugby league career in the same way so it's no coincidence that he's approaching the rest of his life in that way and particularly when it's to help others. There's an incredible amount of admiration for what he's doing. He's a gentleman and an awesome human being that treats people with respect and gains respect in return.
“We don't speak too often but when we do we enjoy each other's company and we share thoughts with each other. He's a delight to have worked with and a person I'm proud to call a friend.”
Smith looks back on his time at Headingley with great pride as a team with a homegrown heart – epitomised by Sinfield, Burrow and Danny McGuire – went on to enjoy an incredible period of success.
It was all built on a unbreakble bond with Smith talking to Leeds Live whilst driving to the SPOTY awards night, with former Leeds Rhinos player Gareth Ellis and Head of Performance Jason Davidson, also at Hull FC, both invited.
“I was part of some of that but they were too,” said Smith, who left the Rhinos after their 2007 Grand Final win over St Helens.
“Kevin played a huge part in that. We were right for each other at the time and they continued to build those sorts of relationships for years and years together - some were stronger than others and some are better at doing that.
“Kevin and Rob were always very close and were always winding each other up as cheeky half-backs can do. They were both characters in the team and they show those traits and that sense of humour even now.
“They still wind each other up, but behind all that they have a strong respect and bond for one another. It's been amazing to watch and very emotional. That's what life is about, forging relationships and emotions.
“They've been really tight and continue to be tight. It's not just for Rob - it's for many others [within the MND community] and that's been their message as well. They're just not trying to help their mate but plenty of other people as well which is a great attribute of both of them.”
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