Jack Sinfield tipped for a bright future after “exceptional” Leeds debut
Leeds interim coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan believes Jack Sinfield, son of legend Kevin, has a bright future in the game after making an “exceptional” debut.
The 17-year-old made a promising start to life in the first team in the Rhinos’ 16-14 defeat to Castleford on Easter Monday.
Kevin Sinfield was just 16 when he made his Super League debut in 1997. The Rhinos legend was in attendance at the Jungle to watch his son follow in his footsteps in playing for the Leeds first team.
Speaking after the game, Jones-Buchanan said: “Whilst he’s not somebody you want to be playing every week because of his age, he’s definitely ready to dip his toes in the deep end.
“I thought he was exceptional for 80 minutes. He played a big part in that first half try and came up with some real nice moments.
“His game will get perfected in seasons to come and, God willing, much like his dad, he will lift lots of trophies.”
Jamie Jones-Buchanan believes Leeds are getting better
Jones-Buchanan has been in charge on a caretaker basis following the exit of Richard Agar a month ago. He will make way for a new head coach by the end of this week.
He also gave a debut to 17-year-old centre Max Simpson and liked what he saw by the performance of his side.
Jones-Buchanan said: “I believe a seed bed and a foundation has been built. You saw a lot of young blokes doing it really tough but playing exceptionally well.
“People like Morgan Gannon, Jarrod O’Connor, Jack Sinfield and Max Simpson stood up to be counted for long periods.
“I get my joy right now for what that might look like in six or 12 months when those boys have got a few more miles on the clock.
“It’s a far cry from being fully complete but it’s a million miles from where it was four or five weeks ago.
“And when you think about the world-class players to come back in, it is positive.”
Sinfield could keep his place in the team for Friday’s match against Toulouse, with his half-back partner Blake Austin failing a head assessment at Castleford.
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