Rugby League

[Dave26]

The problem with our team in some ways is that we have a fair few players who are getting on in years, we have 7 in our starting lineup who are over 30 or turning 30, so we are I feel struggling to play every game at 100% intensity, that showed against Saints when we tired and let them walk back into it in the second half. However, that didn't happen against you lot, we were pounding the hell out of you all the way through the second half and never looked dead on our feet. The thing is, is that that team is very close, all mates, and when it's backs against the wall, the table doesn't look good and every other coach and every pundit is saying we're finished and the glory days are over, they do it for each other and the fans. People always ask why Leeds fans are so obsessive and passionate, and that's why. The majority of that squad, Sinfield, McGuire, Bailey, Burrow, Jones-Buchanan, Jones-Bishop, Hall, Ablett, Clarkson, Sutcliffe, Ward, Watkins all came through the academy, and with the exception of Sinny (Oldham) and Burrow (Featherstone) they're all Leeds boys, every Leeds fan knows a player, or knows someone who does, I played for Jamie Jones-Buchanans old club (Stanningley) and he used to come and help out coaching us, and Ryan Hall once put 4 tries past me in a game against his club (Oulton Raiders). They're our boys, and that's what's so special. I grew up watching Leeds lose everything to Wigan and Saints, so this run of success is doubly sweet for me.

As for Sinny, go ahead, write him off, we love it when people do. He sometimes looks bad when short balls go begging or kicks bounce in touch with no-one to take them, but Sinny doesn't kick to players, he kicks to gaps, it's down to the players to get there, and that's his way, and it works. Sinny is a genius, easily the best stand off in super league history, Long, Farrell, Paul, Harris, Briers, no one comes close, he's like the reincarnation of Holmesy, he's the best leader around, the hardest working, most professional and dependable, the strongest kicker and the greatest passer in super league. He's slow, and not very skilful, but that's McGuires job.

I tell you now, if you're an an England fan, get behind him. If anyone can bring us the World Cup, it's Sir Kev

Oh believe me I'm not writing him off, I've seen him lift too many trophies to do that! But I do feel that he is past his best, and I don't know if you have the cover within your squad to make up for that, not unlike when Farrell came to the end of his career at Wigan. The team spirit in the Leeds team is clear to see, you won't catch me arguing with that! He and they will go round again a few more times and will win more trophies. For me Kylie Leuleai typifies the attitude, he never stops and doesn't want to, signing a new pay as you play deal shows that!

As for England, Sinfield has been around for long enough at that level and not done too much for me, not that many have! I he plays I don't think the Aussies will be worried!