Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield admits the last couple of weeks have been full of mixed emotions, as he prepares to make his comeback from suspension in the Challenge Cup next weekend.
Sinfield received a two-match ban for headbutting Castleford’s Luke Dorn in their 24-24 draw two weeks ago, but he admits he has used the time wisely, and is ready to fire when it matters for the Rhinos on his comeback.
“It’s been a whole host of emotions I suppose. But I’m fully focused on getting back playing; I’ve used the two weeks wisely. I’ve had some niggles that I’ve been able to get right and I’ve been able to install some real quality into my training,” Sinfield said.
YOU CAN READ SINFIELD’S THOUGHTS ABOUT HIS RETURN TO THE LEEDS SIDE AHEAD OF THE CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL IN MONDAY’S LEAGUE EXPRESS.
Sinfield was speaking at an event in his hometown of Oldham to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer, alongside fellow sportsmen Mark Flanagan and Paul Scholes. The Rhinos skipper told TotalRL that events such as those put playing sport – and the events of the last two weeks – into perspective, and he is proud to try raise awareness of the cancer.
“It’s great to be here; Rugby League does quite a lot for Prostate Cancer so to be here in my hometown promoting the cause is great.
“If we can raise just a tiny bit of awareness so that one more person goes to the doctors then we’ve done our job here. It’s really important that people look after themselves, and we realise that someone close to us could be affected by cancer. This cancer is increasing, and if we can try change that a little bit then hopefully we’re doing the right sort of thing.
“There is a stigma there, and the age group this cancer often affects didn’t usually talk about their health problems. We need to try and buck that trend, and hopefully if we can get into the minds of the people who are likely to be affected by this it will be amazing.
“To be here with Mark and Paul is great; there are so many cases in sport of inspirational people doing great deeds, but people like Bill Arthur who haven’t played professional sport yet have beaten it is absolutely remarkable.”
Sinfield was speaking at an event to promote awareness of Prostate Cancer, alongside charity Prostate Cancer UK. For more information visit prostatecanceruk.org, or follow @ProstateUK
