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Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 June 2006, 14:58 GMT 15:58 UK
Snubbed Sinfield in Rhinos pledge
By Phil Gordos

Kevin Sinfield
Sinfield has won 12 caps for GB
Kevin Sinfield says he will concentrate on winning silverware with Leeds after missing out on Great Britain selection.

The Rhinos captain, 25, was a surprise omission from Brian Noble's 20-man squad to face New Zealand on 27 June.

"I've been in this position before," said Sinfield, who was left out of the Lions squad for the 2004 Tri-Nations.

"All I can concentrate on is my form for Leeds. It's not just about Great Britain, it's about Leeds Rhinos and proving we are still a very good side."

Sinfield says he has not given up on adding to the 12 caps he has won for the Lions and hopes to play in this year's Tri-Nations Series in Australia.

"It's all still wide open," he told BBC Sport. "It's disappointing not to be involved in this one, but I'll train as hard as I can for my club. I can't do anymore than that."

Sinfield has been a key figure for Leeds since taking on the captaincy from Francis Cummins at the start of 2003, but he has not always found favour with Lions boss Noble.

I can only control what's it my hands, and it's not in my power to select the Great Britain team

Kevin Sinfield

The Oldham-born stand-off or loose forward steered Leeds to their first Super League Grand Final success in 2004 only to be left out of the Great Britain side for that year's Tri-Nations Series.

He was recalled the following year, but has now been axed again for the one-off Test against the Kiwis.

"I've evaluated it and tried to sort things out in my head, now I'm just getting on with it," said Sinfield.

"I can only control what's in my hands, and it's not in my power to select the Great Britain team.

"All I can concentrate on is my form with Leeds. The club has been loyal to me and my form has to be good for them.

Looking at it one way, I thought my season was over eight weeks ago

Kevin Sinfield

"But I'm a big believer that things happen for a reason. I don't feel I will have to prove a point but it would be nice to anyway."

Sinfield is keen to see the positives, and says he is fortunate to be playing rugby league at all this season.

He thought he might be sidelined for the rest of 2006 when he suffered what was initially thought to be a serious knee injury in the win over Hull at the start of April.

"Looking at it one way, I thought my season was over eight weeks ago," he said.

"It makes it a bit easier to deal with in that sense, but like all players I'm greedy for honours and trophies.

"I've been enjoying my rugby since I came back from injury and I will try my hardest for my club and see what happens."



SEE ALSO
Three new caps for GB for NZ Test
14 Jun 06 |  International
Toopi cleared to play against GB
19 Jun 06 |  International


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