Sinfield aims for derby return

Club captain Kevin Sinfield expects to make his Leeds Rhinos return in next week’s all-Yorkshire re-match with Wakefield.

Sinfield, 32, has been sidelined since suffering a fractured and dislocated thumb playing for England against Exiles on June 14.

He has missed the Rhinos’ last four games and will watch from the stands when the champions play host to Wakefield tomorrow, but says he is confident of featuring in the return game against the Wildcats seven days later.

“It’s going pretty well,” Sinfield said of his recovery.

“The cast is off and I’ve got some surgeon’s and doctor’s orders at the minute, so I am back in training, albeit without any contact.

“I am pretty much 100 per cent sure I’ll be up for selection for Wakefield away.”

Leeds have won two and lost two of their games without Sinfield, who had played in 97 consecutive Rhinos matches before his injury.

“It has been frustrating in the fact I’m not used to it, but I’ve been really fortunate with injuries, so I can’t complain.

“I think the lads have done really well, with so many out. The young boys and some of our senior players have really stepped up.

“The experience some of those younger guys have had will stand us all in good stead.”