For the second game in a row, interim Leeds coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan named 17-year-old Jack Sinfield in the halves.
Son of Leeds legend Kevin Sinfield who guided Leeds to seven Super League titles as captain – still a Super League record – Jack has been under huge pressure in his first two games but has shown no signs of letting that get to him. He’s not looked out of place and has nailed all the little things in his first two games.
That was especially important last night with the Rhinos desperate for a win over Toulouse to open up a three-point gap between themselves and the French side at the bottom of the league. The young halfback came up with some smart and big plays late in the game to keep Leeds on the front foot and after the match Jamie Jones-Buchanan singled him out for praise alongside some other Rhinos youngsters.
“I can’t speak highly enough of lads like Morgan Gannon, Jarrod O’Connor, Max Simpson, Jack Sinfield,” Buchanan said, “He [Sinfield] came up with some really big moments, important plays in really key, pivotal moments in the game.”
He also explained the worries he had over having a 17-year-old in those positions but ultimately felt Sinfield showed he’s up for the challenge: “And you know that, because of his pedigree and what’s between his ears, he’s going to nail them big moments but you worry physically is he old enough? And the answer is yes.”
That said, he stated that he also hopes that the Rhinos don’t have to run him into the ground this season saying: “I hope we don’t have to use him too much too soon.”
We’ve seen again and again the importance of managing young players’ minutes and it seems that Buchanan believes Leeds need to do that with Sinfield. He’s likely set to play once again against Hull KR next week potentially under new coach Rohan Smith such are Leeds’ injury problems. However, Leeds are hoping to have the likes of Blake Austin and Richie Myler back soon.
Nonetheless, over time Smith will be hoping to be the man to bring the best out of young Sinfield and Leeds’ other impressive youngsters like Max Simpson and Morgan Gannon.
