Leeds Rhinos: Momentum is starting to shift for us, insists Sinfield

The 2017 Betfred Super League champions have been condemned to the Qualifiers – and a battle against relegation – ahead of tonight’s regular season finale at Salford Red Devils, but are on the back of their first win in 10 league matches and Sinfield stressed: “We want to continue the momentum we’ve started.”

He said: “Obviously we’re disappointed it [the race for the top-eight] hasn’t gone down to this final weekend, but when something’s not in your hands I don’t think you can moan about it afterwards.

“We deserve to be ninth, we are ninth for a reason, but the last couple of weeks we’ve made some strides. I feel we are back on track and things are starting to move.”

With a Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington Wolves looming in nine days’ time players including Ryan Hall, Adam Cuthbertson, Jack Walker and Mikolaj Oledzki will not be risked tonight, but Sinfield said that does not mean Rhinos won’t be giving their all.

“It’s a funny week this week because in many respects it’s a game that on paper and for the league table doesn’t mean that much to either of us,” he conceded.

“But what’s bigger than that is the momentum we are trying to gather.

“We’ve got a big game next week and what comes with that is the balance of picking a team so we feel we can go and perform at Salford and also be smart and right with the squad and ensure everyone gets a fair crack of the whip.

“It provides a chance to some guys who hopefully will grasp it and take it with both hands.”

One of those is forward Jordan Thompson who will make his debut after joining Rhinos from Leigh on a contract until the end of the season.