Kevin Sinfield gives us his Super League verdict

For 18 years, Kevin Sinfield was dominating opponents as Leeds Rhinos’ star stand-off. But despite hanging up his boots in 2015, ‘Sir Kev’ is still as involved as ever in Rugby League, both as a fan of the game and in his new role as Rugby Director of the RFL.

Ladbrokes News chatted exclusively to the Oldham-born ace to get his predictions ahead of the dramatic climax to this Super League season.

And there’s no surprise about the two sides impressing Sinfield most this year, with the 35-year-old telling us: “The pair who competed in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final have impressed me most.”

He continued: “Warrington and Hull have both been very impressive. It’s great for the game that we see two sides within that top four who are capable of going to Old Trafford in the Grand Final and putting a new name on the trophy.”

But the seven-time Super League winner has also been impressed by the recent form of St Helens, and the attacking prowess of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

“Saints are really firing again under Kieron Cunningham, with eight wins in their last nine Super League games”, the former England man explained.

“And Wakefield have also really impressed me when they’ve been at their best. Under Chris Chester they’ve been fantastic coming forward in many games, including that 62-0 win over Wigan.”

One side who have struggled this season are Kev’s former club Leeds Rhinos, but the Headingley hero is confident the club will be back in tip-top shape next season – and spending it in Super League.

“I’ve never had any concerns about Leeds ending up in the Million Pound game, and I certainly don’t now”, he said. “The squad is back to fitness, and since the latter part of the regular season, they’ve been much improved – winning at Hull KR and at home against Wigan.”

But whoever ends up triumphing in the Grand Final or slumping down to the Championship, Sinfield will still be loving his place in the game of Rugby.

“It’s great to be back in the game with the RFL”, he beamed. “I played this sport from being seven-years-old, and it’s given me everything in my life. I want to give something back, and for the organisation to push to get me involved has been very humbling.”

Warrington Wolves are narrow favourites to win the Grand Final at 9/4, with Hull FC and Wigan Warriors both priced at 5/2. And St Helens round out the betting at 7/2.

Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing