Sinfield expects tough fight for place

Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield fears his fairytale return to Test-match rugby league may not be enough to help him cement a place on the international scene.

The 26-year-old loose forward was man of the match in Great Britain's 42-14 win over France at Headingley on Friday night, despite playing out of position at stand-off. Sinfield made the most of the opportunity given to him by new national boss Tony Smith, his club coach at Leeds, by masterminding an impressive second-half show as the young Lions cantered to an eight-try victory.

"I think it all starts again now," he said. "I think I took my opportunity but there are things I know I can improve on. Tony's told everyone the team is going to be picked on form so, if my form is good for Leeds for the rest of the year, I'll be in with a shout."

Sinfield, who made his Test debut against the French in Agen six years ago, once more demonstrated his versatility by slotting in at six and reveals he actually expected to fill in at hooker.

He has been unfortunate in the past to play in the same position as Andy Farrell and Paul Sculthorpe and even now finds himself in fierce competition with fellow loose forwards Sean O'Loughlin, Jon Wilkin, Stephen Wild and Jamie Langley.

"It's been like this ever since I came into the GB set-up," he said. "It's a bit of Ellery Hanley's influence. Everybody grew up wanting to be a loose forward.

"I've only played a bit part for Great Britain in the past. Out of my 13 caps, I've played only once at loose forward.

"I've played quite a lot off the bench and come on at hooker and scrum-half and positions I've not really been that used to.

"I honestly thought I was going to come on as hooker. I ran there all week and didn't run at six.

"But Rob (Burrow) made it easy for me to go in at six. I have played quite a bit with him in the half-backs before for Leeds and I'm sure that helped. I thought he controlled us really well."