“Rotten” Leeds’ problems are “deep rooted”, says Kevin Sinfield

Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield says the club’s problems are deep-rooted and it’s up to him to fix it.

The opening of the new north stand at Headingley has been overshadowed by the departure of coach Dave Furner, and the Challenge Cup upset at Bradford.

It got no better on Thursday night as the Rhinos were beaten 30-8 by Castleford to leave them 10th in the Super League table and staring at a relegation battle.

Sinfield told Sky Sports: “Three of the last four seasons we’ve been in the bottom four, so we’ve got a lot to do.

“We’re not going to fix this over night. We’re doing everything we can to fix it and I do feel that we’re on a much better track.

“The problems here have been deep-rooted, the place has been rotten and it’s been left to erode.”

Sinfield returned to Leeds last July following the departure of Brian McDermott, with James Lowes acting as first team coach.

Furner was brought in over the off-season, with Lowes moving aside, but he was dispensed with following a poor start to the season.

Richard Agar has taken temporary charge, though doesn’t appear to want the role full-time.

Sinfield added: “(Dave) was absolutely the right man for the job at the time and I just felt that the confidence and belief we needed to take this club forward wasn’t there.

“We need to change path quickly and we’re desperately disappointed it didn’t work out and my job is to try and direct this club and especially the rugby department in the right way.

“We’ve been inundated with approaches but at this stage we’re 100% behind Richard and the club needs stability.”