Sinfield: Let's make it a grand finale
Published Date:
04 October 2008
By Peter Smith
Skipper Kevin Sinfield has paid tribute to Leeds Rhinos' departing stars as they prepare to bow out on the biggest stage.
Prop Nick Scruton and second-row Gareth Ellis will both make their final appearance for Rhinos in tonight's engage Super League Grand Final.
Ellis will join Australian side Wests Tigers following the Old Trafford showdown with St Helens, while Scruton is moving to arch-rivals Bradford Bulls.
Sinfield said: "We want to send them off on a good note.
"We had that with Tony Smith last year, we wanted to send him off the right way.
"There's not only Gaz and Scroots, there's Benny Kaye and Jordan Tansey as well. They have played a part this year.
"I think all of them have contributed greatly.
"Gaz has been around a few years and he is world class. Some of the stuff he does you won't find anywhere in the world.
"We'd love to send them off the right way. They have been a big part of this place and if we could do that, it would be special for everyone."
Tansey is joining Sydney City Roosters on a two-year loan spell and Kaye has signed for Harlequins, but neither is included in the squad for tonight.
Sinfield is preparing for his fourth Grand Final and he said previous experience has only heightened the sense of anticipation.
"We are excited," declared the skipper. "It is a great experience, one of the best of your life.
"To come out of the tunnel, with all the fireworks, and to hear the noise and see all our fans get behind us, it's something that sticks with you forever.
"We got the pressure game out of the way last week, everybody's fit and healthy and we are ready for it now.
"We just want to get out there and face the tough challenge we've got in front of us."
Rhinos are the holders, but Saints will start as favourites following their 28-point win in the qualifying semi-final 15 days ago.
"The fact we are champions has no bearing," said Sinfield. "We would love to keep hold of it and we'd love to have it another year, but we'll see what happens.
"Saints took us to the cleaners two weeks ago and they will be looking to come up with a similar performance, but I don't think we can play any worse.
"We got a lot of confidence from last Friday (the final eliminator win over Wigan).
"The desire and determination is in the guys and that's what it's all about. That's what's needed.
"We need to come up with a better performance if we are going to pose a massive threat and keep hold of the trophy.
"What happened two weeks ago has gone. It is a different scenario and different circumstances.
"We just want to go out there and do our very best. We wanted to do that a fortnight ago, but we just didn't play that well.
"A lot of our energies were put in the wrong areas.
The full article contains 516 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
-
Last Updated:
04 October 2008 7:00 AM
-
Source:
EP Leeds First & County
-
Location:
Leeds