BBC SPORT | RUGBY LEAGUE | Sinfield: Powell power



By Kevin Sinfield Leeds Rhinos star and BBC Sport Online columnist

Man-management is an important part of being a coach and Daryl Powell does it very well.

When a club has a big squad, like we have at Leeds, it is vital every member is kept informed about their first-team chances.

There is nothing worse than finding yourself stuck on the sidelines and not knowing why.

Ben Walker's injury means I wasn't on the bench for long
Daryl likes to let his players know when they aren't involved - and because he rotates the squad to keep everyone fresh and enthusiastic, it is important he does that.

It was my turn to sit on the bench for the Super League game at Salford City Reds.

Daryl had told me the week before that he wanted to give Adrian Vowles a start, so it did not come as a shock to me when I found out I was in the dugout.

As it turned out, it wasn't long before I was back in the action.

Ben Walker was forced off with a dead leg, which meant I took his place at stand-off.

I also took over the kicking duties and was successful with five out of six attempts.

I was pretty pleased, although I fluffed my easiest chance.

We needed to beat Salford after losing to Widnes - and we played some exciting stuff.

You can bet that the Bulls will be coming to Headingley with the aim of turning us over

Kevin Sinfield

The victory and performance has certainly given us a lot of confidence going into the game against Bradford on Friday.

A few of the Bulls players have got down with the 'flu, but they will be difficult to beat whatever side they put out on Friday night.

No doubt they will still be smarting from their Challenge Cup defeat as well.

No-one likes to talk too much about revenge, but you can bet that they will be coming to Headingley with the aim of turning us over.

It is important to stop them, not just to boost our own prospects but to make sure they don't open up too big a gap at the top of the table.


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