Leeds Rhinos rookie Jack Sinfield makes family proud with Super League debut celebrations

Leeds Rhinos' Jack Sinfield celebrated his Betfred Super League debut by spending a quiet night in with the family.

Given he’s only 17, he’s still not old enough to drink. But you sense the talented young half-back - son of Rhinos legend Kevin - wouldn’t be hitting the town regardless. He’d already shown impressive maturity and composure during a surprise first-team bow in the Easter Monday 16-14 defeat at Castleford.

And then it was feet up in front of the telly, which was very apt for the teenager who’d had dad, mum Jayne and little brother Sam watching in the Wheldon Road stands. Sinfield explained: “My mum and dad just told me they were proud of me.

“That obviously means a lot as really that’s the number one thing I want to do - make them and my little brother proud. They were really happy for me. And after the match, we were all just chilling at home as a family with the TV on.

“It (debut) all still feels just a bit surreal really. I can’t really believe it’s happened. I’m a bit sore but just glad I got the first one out of the way. “Hopefully I’m not as nervous next time.”

Marshalling a desperate Leeds side who have now won just one of their opening 10 games wouldn’t be easy for a decorated veteran let alone a raw rookie. Sinfield also saw his experienced half-back partner Blake Austin depart injured early on yet he still came up with some of Rhinos' best moments.

His iconic dad famously led Leeds to seven Grand Final wins and captained England. What words of advice did he have before kick-off?

“Just to work as hard as I can, make sure I enjoy it and stick to what I usually do,” said Sinfield, who was only promoted to the first-team squad in the off-season.

“He told me to make sure I make the most of it. I’m