By Phil Gordos BBC Sport

It was all highs until I found out I wasn't in the Great Britain squad Kevin Sinfield

Kevin Sinfield has vowed to bounce back even stronger after being overlooked by Great Britain for the Gillette Tri-Nations Series.

The Leeds captain, who steered his side to victory in Saturday's Grand Final, was surprisingly omitted from Brian Noble's 24-man squad.

But the loose forward told BBC Sport: "I'll get over it. It's already fuel for the fire for next season.

"I don't think I've got a point to prove but I'll prove it anyway."

Sinfield has been a regular in the GB set-up for the past three years.

But Noble opted to leave him out despite his inspirational performances for the Rhinos this season.

Sinfield said he was not bitter about his exclusion and believes Britain will do well in the first-ever Tri-Nations tournament.

"I think we'll win it," he said. "I hope we do it and I wish the players all the best."

Sinfield has experienced an emotional rollercoaster recently.

Sinfield overlooked by GB

He became a father for the first time last month when partner Jayne gave birth to son Jack.

Then he helped Leeds end their long wait for a championship title.

"I've had the two best days of my life in the last few weeks," said Sinfield.

"First, Jack was born. Then Leeds achieved something they had not done for 32 years.

"It was all highs until I found out I wasn't in the Great Britain squad. But at least I'll have more time to spend with my family now."

We are going to have to raise our standards because everyone will want to beat us as reigning champions Kevin Sinfield Leeds win Super League

And Sinfield is already looking ahead to next season.

First up is the World Club Challenge against NRL champions Canterbury.

Then Leeds will attempt to defend the title they won by beating Bradford 16-8 at Old Trafford.

"It's going to be tougher next year," he said.

"The competition is getting better all the time, teams are getting stronger and there's a whole new breed of youngsters coming through.

"We are going to have to raise our standards because everyone will want to beat us as reigning champions.