KEVIN SINFIELD views it as great recognition for Rugby League after becoming the first person from the sport ever to be nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
And bearing in mind the event was first held in 1954, that is a measure of the achievement for the 35-year-old from Grotton.
Sinfield, who captained Leeds Rhinos to the rarely-attained treble of Grand Final, League Winners’ Shield and Challenge Cup in his farewell season, said: “I am really proud, but it is recognition for the team for what we achieved last season.
“I find it strange to be nominated for an individual award because it is a team sport, but I see it as I will be representing the team.
“It is great recognition for Rugby League as in the past our sport has not had the air time. Things have changed in the last few years and it is nice to be on the shortlist.”
Sinfield will be attending the awards at the SEE Arena, Belfast, on Sunday, December 20 when he will by vying for the top honour with Mo Farrar, Chris Froome, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Lizzie Armistead, Lucy Bronze, Tyson Fury, Lewis Hamilton, Andy Murray, Adam Peaty, Greg Rutherford and Max Whitlock who make up the shortlist of 12.
Meanwhile, Sinfield has now switched codes and made his debut at the 15-man game for Rhinos sister club Yorkshire Carnegie.
His first appearance was as a replacement in the British and Irish Cup in a 32-10 win against Osprey’s Premiership Select at Headingley Carnegie.
That was followed by a first start at Munster ‘A’ in the British and Irish Cup and a full league debut at home to London Welsh in the Championship when Yorkshire Carnegie lost 10-7.
Sinfield, who is playing fly half, declared: “It has been every bit the challenge I thought it would be, but I think I have settled in pretty well.
“It is very different and not fair to compare the two sports. I am taking baby steps every day. It is very stimulating and everything I thought it would be.
“After being with Rhinos for all my career, it has been strange going into a different dressing room and making new friendships.
“I was always going to miss Rhinos and also RL no matter what job I did after playing for them. But the challenge of playing Rugby Union has helped fill that void.”
Sinfield describes it as a steep learning curve and each week he is getting better and better at the new code.
While he says there are similar skill sets, it is different how they are put together in the respective games.
“It is very stimulating and every bit the challenge I thought it would be. That is the reason I changed codes and I owe RL everything, the sport has even given me this opportunity,” he said.
Sinfield added he has been given terrific support from Yorkshire Carnegie coach Bryan Redpath, his staff and the players to help him make a smooth transition.
The team is third in the Championship and Sinfield’s goal is to help them challenge for promotion to the Aviva Premiership where they would tackle the likes of Saracens, Bath, Leicester, Northampton, Harlequins and Wasps on a weekly basis.
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