Leeds Rhinos youngster Jack Sinfield has spoken about the different position that he has played in the pre-season with a look to his overall development.
Despite debuting for Leeds Rhinos in 2022, Sinfield is still only 20 and will not turn 21 until Round 27 of this season meaning that the scope for his development is still huge.
During the pre-season, the half-back has had a chance to play a different role given Leeds’ injury issues at hooker whereby Andy Ackers is the only fit number nine.
In Leeds’ 22-4 win over Wigan Warriors, Sinfield was utilised out of dummy-half and he’s now spoken on the Rhinos’ YouTube channel about the new experience.
Asked how he found playing hooker, Sinfield said: “Pretty tough, it’s a lot different to defending on an edge because you’ve got all the big boys in the middle but I’d done a bit of practice in training and I felt pretty good.
“The more minutes I get there then the better I’ll feel but I thought it was an alright start.”
Outlining his 2025 goal, he said: “My priority is to play half-back but wherever I get in the team is going to be a positive for me. The more experience and game time I can get the better place it’s going to put me in the long run.”
Jack Sinfield looking forward to Leeds Rhinos’ Challenge Cup test
Credit: John Clifton/SWpix.com
There looks set to be a good opportunity for Sinfield to get some game time soon with Leeds Rhinos hosting community club Wests Warriors in Round Three of the Challenge Cup.
The fixture was rearranged to be played at Headingley meaning the Rhinos do not have to travel down to London and it looks like a good chance for Brad Arthur to give Sinfield some minutes in the halves.
On the possibility of playing against Wests, Sinfield said: “It’s something different isn’t it? A lot of my friends from back home play at the community level so it’s exciting and hopefully, I get to play in that game because it’s something that I’ve not done before.
“We’re all looking forward to it, it’s our first competitive game of the year so we want to get off to a good start and hopefully build on that.”
That fixture come just a week before the Super League season kicks off with Leeds playing host to Wakefield Trinity in Round One, meaning pre-season is almost finally over – an experience that Sinfield has enjoyed.
“I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been really tough but really good and enjoyable,” he said of the pre-season.
“The main thing for me is to keep developing and trying to find my way into that team. I feel that I’m getting closer and hopefully, that will come soon.”
