Sinfield feeling fresh for the international challenge

Player burn-out is often cited as a reason behind England or Great Britain’s continued failure when it comes to tournaments such as the Gillette Four Nations which begins tonight; too many games compared to their rivals inevitably leaves them drained.

Leeds Rhinos’ Grand Final winning captain Sinfield has now amassed almost 40 matches this term, ever-present for his club in a campaign where they also reached Wembley and he played a full 80 minutes in most.

But, ahead of tomorrow’s opener against Wales, the 31-year-old admitted: “Friday (against France) was as good as I’ve felt in a game physically and that’s a big part of it.

“If mentally you’re fresh and physically you feel good, hopefully you can perform to your best, which is what all of us need to do.