Sinfield makes shock return to rescue Leeds

Former Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield is confident he can quickly turn around the fortunes of the ailing Super League champions on his shock return to the club.

Sinfield, the most successful captain in the club’s history, who left after their 2015 Grand Final triumph, has been appointed as their first director of rugby, filling the vacancy created by the sacking of Brian Mcdermott, alongside another former player, James Lowes.

The pair take charge of a side that dropped into the bottom four of Super League on Thursday night and have four matches to avoid a place in the Qualifiers, starting with a Grand Final rematch with Castleford tomorrow, but Sinfield is undaunted by the challenge.

“I don’t think you get too many opportunities to join the biggest club in the game,” he said. “I’m delighted to be back. The role is everything I wanted it to be, it’s a dream job.

Meanwhile, a drop goal from Josh Woods 22 seconds from time earned Wigan a thrilling 13-12 Betfred Super League victory over Warrington. The Wolves thought they had secured at least a point when Josh Charnley went over for a late try to tie the scores. But fullback Stefan Ratchford was wide with the touchline conversion and scrum-half Tyrone Roberts was off target with a drop-goal attempt before Wood struck.

Winger Adam Swift scored a hattrick as leaders St Helens eased past bottom club Widnes 36-6.