As Kevin Sinfield etched himself further into rugby league folklore, the event typically went over his head.
The former England skipper’s third goal in Leeds Rhinos’ 43-12 win at Hull FC last Thursday lifted him into fourth place in rugby league’s all-time list of scorers.
It was the latest landmark in the glittering career of Leeds’ greatest captain.
The 34-year-old, who became the leading points scorer in his club’s history in 2012 when he guided the Rhinos to an unprecedented sixth league title, was quick to play down the achievement.
“The most important thing was to get the two points,” said a typically modest Sinfield, who is one of only four Englishmen to win the prestigious Golden Boot.
“Records and everything that comes with them are probably for when you finish your career. “Some of the names on the list are some of the greats of the game and it’s very humbling. I don’t know when it will sink in to be honest. I’m really fortunate just to be playing.”
All-time greats Neil Fox and Jim Sullivan, who each amassed more than 6,000 points in their careers, will remain out of reach for Sinfield (3,995) but he needs only 56 more to overtake Gus Risman into third place.
John Woods, the former Leigh Centurions, Warrington Wolves, Bradford Bulls and Rochdale Hornets stand-off who was overtaken by Sinfield on Thursday, was among the first to offer his congratulations.
Woods, who amassed 2,492 of his 3,985 career points playing for Leigh, said: “Kevin is an exceptionally talented and durable player who is still playing to a high level of performance week in, week out.
“He has had an exceptional career and he can be rightly proud of his achievements, both personally and as part of the team.
“Like me, he has borne the responsibility of being goal-kicker throughout his career and, if you play a long time, the points stack up without you really noticing.
“I never bothered about personal records as I was a team player and I can see those qualities in Kevin. I suspect that though he will be aware of the milestone it won’t really sink in, or have any significance until he retires and looks back on his career.
“I hope that day is a long time off as you are a long time retired and Kevin still has much to offer the game and the Leeds club.
“I’d like to congratulate him and wish him well.”
State of Mind think Kevin Sinfield is an outstanding rugby league player and ambassador for rugby league!