Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield believes the Magic Weekend is a hugely important fixture for Rugby League to have, and claims the game should be applauded for putting such an entertaining spectacle together.
The Rhinos face Wigan in the final game of day one of Magic Weekend 2014 on Saturday looking to cement their position at the top of Super League, and Sinfield admits he is relishing stepping out onto the Etihad Stadium pitch once again, claiming it is what all players strive to do.
“The fact that as a sport we can market 14 clubs in the same place over the same weekend is a great message we can send out to our fans and the whole world,” he said.
“We can prove that our sport is actually a family sport and you can come and sit around supporters from different clubs and have an enjoyable weekend.
“Rugby League should be applauded for it. And to play in front of big crowds at huge stadiums like this is what we all want to be involved in.”
Leeds’ clash against last year’s champions is the second time the sides have met in just three weeks. However, Sinfield was quick to shrug off claims that the scheduling is unfair, claiming the Rhinos are only focusing on themselves, and they have to get on with it rather than complaining.
“We’re in decent shape, but we’re certainly not getting carried away. We realize that nothing’s won in May and it’s important to keep trying to improve,” he told TotalRL.com earlier this week.
“We’ve got a tough challenge with Wigan this week on Saturday; they’re a great team with great players and we understand how tricky a task it will be. I don’t think it matters how often we’re playing them, you just crack on with things and get on with the game.”
