Jack Sinfield could make Leeds debut as Jones-Buchanan puts trust in youngsters

Jack Sinfield could make his Leeds debut after being named in their 21-man squad for their Easter Monday tie with Castleford. 

The 17-year-old is the son of the club’s former captain Kevin and is yet to make his official debut. He did feature in the club’s pre-season friendly against League 1 outfit Hunslet. 

Sinfield wears the same squad number, 32, as his father in his debut season.

He is one of two changes made by interim-boss Jamie Jones-Buchanan ahead of their clash at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle. 

Full-back Jack Walker is set for some time on the sideline following a hamstring injury sustained against Huddersfield. Winger Liam Tindall has also been ruled out by a hip injury.

The Rhinos are also still without several key players. Richie Myler continues to miss out through groin, while Aidan Sezer is also sidelined. The Rhinos are also without David Fusitu’a (knee), Harry Newman (hamstring), Tom Holroyd (ankle) and Corey Johnson (knee).

Max Simpson, 17, has also been included and could be rewarded with a chance in the first-team.

Praise for Leeds youngsters

Ahead of their Easter Monday fixture, Jones-Buchanan said: “The squad is looking positive. I trust everyone that’s in there.

“There are some young kids with a lot of wisdom and exactly the type of temperament, character and professional that we want in a Leeds Rhinos side.

“It will be good to see them in 12 or 18 months with a bit more muscle on them and a few more miles in the tank. I’m really excited about where it’s going. We’ve had a few really positive couple of days. 

“I probably keep repeating myself, but to have a consistently good side and a side that constantly developing, you’ve got to keep reminding each other what your fundamental values are. These boys are doing that. They’ve got a smile on their faces and there seems to be a lot of clarity and a lot of that is coming from some of our younger end as well.”

Leeds boss on Jack Sinfield and Max Simpson

Jones-Buchanan continued: “There’s some real pedigree in there. We all know where Jack’s come from and he’s very much in the image of his dad but at the same time, he’s not his dad. He’s Jack. He’s his own individual self and he brings about a uniqueness to the way he plays without losing any of that professionalism or that intent that we saw from Kevin. That’s exactly what we want to see from this next generation.

“You look at Max Simpson and he’s a bit of a freak of a specimen. For such a young boy, he’s very well developed. The numbers that he’s been putting out physically in training have been exceptional.”

Super League Easter Monday: Team news, kick-off times & TV coverage

PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022