41 replies to this topic

[Honor James]

England Rugby League are delighted to announce that Kevin Sinfield will succeed Jamie Peacock as the national team’s new captain.

Sinfield, who captained Leeds Rhinos to their sixth Super League crown last Saturday defeating Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford, said captaining his country would be the proudest moment of his career.

“I am immensely honoured to captain England Rugby League. Representing your country is always special, but to captain England will be the proudest moment of my career to date,” said Sinfield. “There could have been a number of candidates for the job, when you look at the number of leaders we have in the squad, but Steve McNamara has asked me take up the role and I will do it to the best of my ability.

“When you look at the talent we have in the squad, we are in great shape. We have a big 12 months ahead with the Rugby League World Cup at the end of it and we have to give ourselves every chance of creating history. Steve McNamara is leaving nothing to chance and our preparation continues to be planned in fine detail and I will relish being part of that process.”

Sinfield’s appointment was announced to the England senior squad during their first night on African soil as they start a 10-day high-altitude training camp in Potchefstroom ahead of this year’s Autumn International Series against France and Wales and England coach McNamara believes he has the ultimate leader to take England into 2013.

“Kevin (Sinfield) is an outstanding leader and was my number one choice when selecting a successor to Jamie Peacock,” added McNamara. “The standards he sets both on and off the field are exemplary. He commands the ultimate respect from his fellow professionals and will take this group of players forward in what promises to be a demanding yet rewarding year for England Rugby League.”

England’s opening match in the Autumn International Series will see them face Wales at the Glyndwr University Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Saturday October 27 (2.30pm).

Their first ‘home’ fixture takes place a week later, Saturday November 3, at MS3 Craven Park in Hull when England host France in a match which also kicks off at 2.30pm.

The Autumn International Series concludes with the final at Salford City Stadium on Sunday November 11 (5.00pm).

Tickets for the 2012 Autumn International Series cost just £12 for adults and £6 concessions and can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk
-Ends-

Danny Reuben
England RL Media Manager

[philipw]

This'll annoy some on here

[christopher]

About time.

[montgorhino]

Best Man for the job, full stop. He will make a great Captain and with a year to prepare perhaps we can give those Aussies a fright if not a shock!
Well done Kev!
Marshall
Spain

[brooza]

Excellent. As I said in the other thread, he either needs to be captain or out of the squad. Happy to see they went with the former

[RidingPie]

It's certainly an interesting choice. Loose forward (assuming that is where he will play) is one of the positions we have some good depth and this selection nails him in to the team.

He's certainly earned his chance, and as ever I'll cheer anyone who represents our national team.

[Tre Cool]

Too many questions over his qualitites at international level to be captain. Needs to be a guaranteed top level performer like Ellis.

[brooza]

Too many questions over his qualitites at international level to be captain. Needs to be a guaranteed top level performer like Ellis.

Too many questions over any England player at international level.

[AndyCapp]

Ellis is on the way down though and has been very quiet in the last couple of years at Test level.

Sinfield may well be a stopgap for this year as many of the leading candidates have pulled out of this years Internationals or are suspended.

[christopher]

Too many questions over his qualitites at international level to be captain. Needs to be a guaranteed top level performer like Ellis.

Actually Ellis over the last few years hasn't played that well for England, he has also never captained a side and I say this as a big Gareth Ellis fan.

It seems to be an urban myth that Sinfield hasn't performed for England/GB. He has played well especially the last two tournaments he's played in.

This aside he is an outstanding captain and leader and this is what we need.

[terrywebbisgod]

Totally deserved.

[langer7]

Actually Ellis over the last few years hasn't played that well for England, he has also never captained a side and I say this as a big Gareth Ellis fan.

It seems to be an urban myth that Sinfield hasn't performed for England/GB. He has played well especially the last two tournaments he's played in.

This aside he is an outstanding captain and leader and this is what we need.

I can remember some horror moments in an England shirt such as giving away a needless holding down penalty at Elland Road which swung momentum to the Aussies a couple of years ago. The main disappointment for me has been his kicking game, which has been his major strength at club level but has been nowhere near as good in internationals.

[terrywebbisgod]

The main disappointment for me has been his kicking game, which has been his major strength at club level but has been nowhere near as good in internationals.

This can be said of most players in our international setup.

[AndyCapp]

He will be 33 years old by the time the WC is held.
He will have to be at Lock or Hooker.
He would be targeted if he was in the Halves.

[John Rhino]

Totally deserved. Really hope he does well and goes out of the game on a high.
There has been no one more dedicated to our game in the SL era.

[christopher]

I can remember some horror moments in an England shirt such as giving away a needless holding down penalty at Elland Road which swung momentum to the Aussies a couple of years ago. The main disappointment for me has been his kicking game, which has been his major strength at club level but has been nowhere near as good in internationals.

How many English players haven't had horror moments against Australia?

Sinfield has won MOM on a few occasions for England, and hasn't played half as bad as is made out. He also has never been asked to run the show, which he has now, you may see a marked improvement on all aspects of his game.

[Ant]

If he can take his ability as Leeds captain to lift an underdog team when it matters i will worship him like a god

If not i will say "I told you so"

[barrowraiderskid]

I'm guessing this means he definitely starts. He can't play at 6 he's too slow, 13 we're a man short in the pack. So he has to play at 9 and roby comes off the bench which means Burrow won't get selected unless he plays at 7.

I wouldn't of selected him personally, mainly due to his age and ability as a player. But if McNamara wants to play him then he's got to be captain.

[flyingking]

"Kevin (Sinfield) is an outstanding leader and was my number one choice", so now that fullback is sorted out, where is Tomkins going to play?

[brooza]

"Kevin (Sinfield) is an outstanding leader and was my number one choice", so now that fullback is sorted out, where is Tomkins going to play?

Now you're just being silly. Sinfield won't be fullback, Hardaker will!