Former Leeds Rhinos captain Iestyn Harris says Kevin Sinfield triumphing on Sunday at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards would be one of the pinnacles of the sport’s history.
Sinfield, who was captained by Harris at Leeds when he made his debut in 1997, became the first-ever Rugby League player to be nominated for the award since its inception in 1954.
Harris, who was crowned Man of Steel in 1998, believes Sinfield winning the illustrious prize could be one of the biggest moments in Rugby League folklore.
“It’s massive for the game that Sinfield has been nominated and that a Rugby League player is amongst the nominees,” said Harris.
“Personally, for Kevin, it’s huge, too. For a long time the sport perhaps doesn’t get a lot of national coverage, but it could now if he was to win it.
“This could be one of the most memorable moments in the sport if Kevin was to be named Sports Personality of the Year, especially with the competition that he’s facing.”
Now tackling a new challenge with Yorkshire Carnegie, Sinfield is one of the most successful captains in Rugby League having won every domestic honour available to him more than once.
Harris, who spent four years at the Rhinos, hopes the Rugby League community rallies round to vote for Sinfield on Sunday evening.
“I’d love him to win it, but it’s obviously going to be very difficult for him with the other nominees who are up for it,” he said.
“He’s got a lot of momentum behind him from Leeds, and it’s hugely important that everyone else who loves the sport votes for him too.
“We’ve had national recognition when Wigan and St Helens won Team of the Year, but now it’s time to step up again and support Kevin to win such a prestigious award.”
Rugby League fans have been urged to unite and support Kevin Sinfield by voting for him to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2015.
