Jack Sinfield aims to follow in the footsteps of his famous father by establishing himself in Leeds Rhinos’ first-team while studying for his A-Levels. Kevin Sinfield broke into the side when he was still at school before captaining the Headingley giants to seven Super League titles during a glorious playing career.
He was just 16 when he made his debut against Sheffield Eagles in 1997 – the day after receiving his GCSE results – before completing four A-Levels, including maths and physics, when playing for Leeds. Fast forward well over two decades and his 18-year-old son Jack is similarly making his mark at Leeds by combining his playing commitments with the final year of his academic studies at Ashton Sixth Form College.
The teenage half-back, who made his Super League debut in a televised derby at Castleford Tigers last April, said: “I’m currently doing A-Levels in maths, business and economics. With being here full-time at Leeds as well, I’ve got my hands full. I come straight into training during the day and then, on my days off, I’ll go into college. When I get home, I catch up with all my work at night.
Read more: NRL introduces rule changes and alters kick-off time for World Club Challenge due to Sydney heat
“It’s tough and I’ve got my exams this year, so I have to fit in all my revision as well, but I’ve only got a few months left before I finish. My dad helps me because he knows what it’s like to juggle everything and have a life outside of college and rugby. He knows how important it is because he was once in the same situation.”
Sinfield, like his legendary dad did during his long Headingley career, commutes from the family home in Saddleworth to Leeds. Sinfield senior is revered in Leeds for his glittering feats in the blue and amber which earned him the nickname ‘Sir Kev’.
Jack has supported the Rhinos since childhood and was born less than a month before his dad skippered the club to the 2004 Grand Final win over Bradford Bulls – their first championship in 32 years. But he remembers the more recent title successes, saying: “I was at most of them (Grand Final wins), so it’s special to look back on.
“It’s just how it’s always been, from going to watch my dad. I’ve always been a Leeds fan and I never would not be a Leeds fan. Hopefully it’s something I can replicate and he can come and watch me in finals. I try and be my own person, as proud as I am of my dad. People like Ash (Handley) have played with him, so it’s a bit weird but it doesn’t bother me.
“Obviously I’m really proud of what he achieved and hopefully I can replicate it. My dad’s always there if I ever need him but he puts no pressure on me at all. He just makes sure that I’m enjoying what I do.”
Sinfield said his father, who recently left Premiership rugby union giants Leicester Tigers to become England’s defence coach, had not imparted any particular words of wisdom to him.
“I’d say it’s more the example I’ve got from him rather than a piece of advice,” added Jack. “Like I said, he’s just very focused on making sure I’m enjoying it and working hard. My dad’s really busy at the minute with his new job and I’m busy here and at college too. Apart from that, we don’t tend to talk about rugby much because we’re spending so much time doing it ourselves.”
Sinfield is proud of his dad’s remarkable fundraising exploits during the past three years to support his great friend Rob Burrow and many other Motor Neurone Disease sufferers. Not that he has been tempted to join his father on any of his long-distance treks – even on a practice run.
“I don’t think I’d keep up with him!” he smiled. “But yes, I’m really proud of what he’s doing. It’s obviously horrible what has gone on with Rob but the way Rob has responded and my dad being that sort of leader for the MND community, I’m really proud of him and really respect what Rob has done as well.”
As the new season kicks off on Thursday when Leeds travel to Warrington Wolves, Sinfield is hoping to better the five Super League appearances he racked up last term. His heroics helped the Rhinos’ Academy to a dramatic Grand Final win over St Helens last September.
“It was a weird sort of year because I was playing in three different teams (Academy, reserves and first team),” explained Sinfield. “I was here, there and everywhere but I loved every minute of it and it’s something I want to build on this year.
“Making my first-team debut was really special and I went into that Castleford game really nervous, so it was a big confidence boost for me knowing that I can play at that level. Making five first-team appearances, I didn’t expect that to be honest. Then winning the Academy Grand Final, with lads I’d come through the ranks with, was also really special.”
Sinfield will start the year behind first-choice half-backs Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin but there are currently no plans to send him out on loan or on dual-reg to play first-team rugby in the Championship.
Asked about his aims for the year ahead, Sinfield declared: “I think first and foremost I would like to establish myself in the team. I can still play Academy and reserves this year, plus obviously the first-team, so we’ll just see what happens. I’m still young, so my focus is to get as many minutes as I can and to gain as much experience as possible – and to just keep learning.
“There are some experienced guys here in Blake and Aidan and Richie [Myler] as well. I’ll just keep picking up things where I can and gaining that experience. I think the group as a whole is quite a special group, so hopefully we can go on and do something special this year.”
As he had done as a child when his dad lifted the Super League trophy, Sinfield was in the Old Trafford stands again last season when Rohan smith’s men lost to Saints.
He said: “It was different to when I’d been there before because this time I was part of the playing group, even though I was still in the stands. It was nice to see some of my mates experience something they had worked hard all year for by playing at Old Trafford in a Grand Final. Obviously we fell a bit short but hopefully we can go a step further this year by winning a Grand Final.”
Read next
Salford Red Devils continue impressive off-field progress after star extends stay
Challenge Cup set for radical change with group stage set for introduction
Emma Jones blown away by rugby league support as Viaplay host returns for second season
Championship round-up: Featherstone Rovers' latest impressive win as Swinton stun Batley
The Big Rugby League Survey - tackling the big questions ahead of 2023
