HE IS known throughout Rugby League as ‘Sir Kev’ and Kevin Sinfield last week met royalty at Buckingham Palace.
The 34-year-old from Grotton, who was awarded a MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in June, received the award from the Duke of Cambridge.
And Sinfield, one of RL’s most decorated players, described it as a “humbling” experience to be honoured for his services to the sport playing and captaining Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain over the last 18 years.
He said: “I play a team sport and the success I have enjoyed is not just down to me but a host of other individuals who have sacrificed parts of their lives for me.
“It is humbling as I would not have won any of the trophies at Leeds without the other players as well as the staff and fans who have all played their part. I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time and to have such a great staff around me at Leeds.
“I am indebted to them and I dedicated this honour to everyone at Leeds as well as a whole host of other people.”
It is reward for a glittering career in which Sinfield has become one of the game’s greats and most decorated players.
Sinfield added that he hopes a lot of Oldhamers will share in his honour, those who helped him reach the top of his sport.
He continued: “There are a lot of people in Oldham who have contributed to my career and I would like to say a big thank you to them.
“My family have been the biggest part and also my friends. I still have the same best friends since the age of eight.”
Sinfield also paid tribute to the teaching staff at Saddleworth School and also Waterhead Amateur Rugby League Club where he began his playing days.
He continued: “I had some fantastic teachers at Saddleworth School while the coaching and guidance I received at Waterhead was massively important.
“Mick Hough, who sadly passed away, played a huge part in my development as did John Perks who I am still in touch with. They were great blokes and people I don’t forget.
“May be they only felt they made a small contribution, but they helped shape and mould me into the person I am today.”
Sinfield was allowed three guests at the Buckingham Palace investiture, his wife Jayne and parents Ray and Beryl who also played a huge part in his success.
He was also impressed by Prince William’s knowledge of RL explaining: “I knew he is a fan of rugby union, but it was nice to see he had an interest about league.
“He asked about the state of my body after playing rugby for so long. He asked me about Leeds’ Challenge Cup win and also international rugby league.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but he was very clued up on the sport.”
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