Barrie McDermott makes Kevin Sinfield knighthood claim

On five occasions Leeds Rhinos and St Helens have collided at Old Trafford to determine the destination of the Super League title.

In three Grand Finals in a row from 2007-09, the Rhinos ended St Helens’ unbeaten record in Grand Finals with three title wins in a row.

Then in 2011 they beat the Saints to become the first side to win the Grand Final from fifth.

The Saints avenged those defeats last year as they made it four titles in a row by defeating Leeds 24-12.

Leeds gained a measure of revenge earlier this season with a Blake Austin drop goal defeating the World Champions in their own backyard and now the two will collide yet again tonight at Headingley.

Ahead of their meeting Barrie McDermott has talked up the game saying:

“It should be a fantastic night and Kevin Sinfield will be there.”

Sinfield is there to sign copies of his book ‘The Extra Mile’ after his amazing career on the field but also what he has done for Rob Burrow and the MND community.

As McDermott talked about this, he said: “Sir Kev as well all know him and I am sure that will soon be official.”

Sinfield’s lack of a knighthood has been a contentious issue among rugby league fans for some time.

Some have said there is a rule that means people cannot be awarded an OBE one year and then receive a knighthood the following year.

However, no rule exists however it may be something of an unwritten rule.

The more Sinfield does, however, the more likely it is that he will become officially Sir Kevin Sinfield.