Modern great and England Rugby L:eague Captain Kevin Sinfield made his 500th career appearance for Leeds Rhinos last night in the 30-12 victory against London Broncos
The inspirational Rhinos captain returned to action after a six-week lay-off – and played a typically decisive role with five goals and a drop goal – in a narrow 31-24 derby win at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. The 32-year-old, who made his debut at 16, is now on the brink of another remarkable milestone in a career that has seen him become Leeds’ record points-scorer and win six Super League Grand Finals.
His presence is probably the last thing the struggling Broncos needed. Rhinos coach Brian McDermott said: “For Kevin is it an incredible achievement to have reached 500 games and it is testament to the complete professional he is.
“A good example of why he has reached this landmark is how he looked after himself with his recent injury, the way he lives his life and the sacrifices he makes which ensure that if he gets injured, which is rarely, he is back ready to play sooner than most.
“I am a very lucky coach when I have got people like him in the team. Five hundred games as a half-back is incredibly hard because defensively everyone knows about Kev; everyone knows to aim a lot of traffic at him.
“He has done that all his career and he has got a few more years left in him. It is scary how many games he might play.”
The match was an emotional one for the Rhinos, coming soon after the death of their former coach Graham Murray last weekend.
You will be able to see Kevin captain England in the Rugby League World Cup in October and November this year so make sure you are there to witness a world class player in action ! www.rlwc2013.com/
State of Mind would like to pass on our congratulations and utmost respect to Kevin in playing 500 top level games of rugby league in a brutal collision sport!