The ever-humble Sinfield was visibly taken back on stage when he went up to pick up the top award for the third time in his career. It was richly deserved by the man who has led his side to a second League Leaders Shield and will lead the assault on Old Trafford starting this Friday against Hull KR. Sinfield confirmed that he will be fit and available for selection for Friday's game at Headingley Carnegie.

Commenting after the award he said, "It is unbelievable. To be in a side with players like Jamie Peacock, Keith Senior, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Ryan Hall, Brent Webb...I could go on and on and to be voted Player of the Year is a huge honour. This is a fantastic club and one that I am very proud to captain. There has been lots of rumour this year supposedly linking me with a move away from the Rhinos.

"It is a difficult position to be in because if you don't comment upon it people incorrectly say that you haven't denied it and if you do comment upon it and say it isn't true to give it creditability that it doesn't deserve and sound like Cristiano Ronaldo. However, all I will say is that I am a Rhino for life and I won't play for another club and have never considered leaving," added Sinfield.