Leeds Rhinos’ Sporting Director Role: A Coveted Position for Rugby League Legends
As Leeds Rhinos announced their plans to appoint a Sporting Director, former player and current club employee Jamie Jones-Buchanan has thrown his unwavering support behind legendary figure Kevin Sinfield. Sinfield, known for his incredible fundraising efforts and “Superhero” status, is the perfect candidate to lead the Rhinos into a new era, according to Jones-Buchanan.
“People might talk about Kevin Sinfield as almost like this messianic figure. Why wouldn’t rugby league want Kevin Sinfield in the game? He’s the biggest brand outside the game, he’s a superhero and this is his origin story,” the former Rhinos forward argued passionately on Sky Sports.
Jones-Buchanan also noted that both Danny McGuire and Jamie Peacock would be “outstanding” hires for the role, all three individuals deeply understanding the values that defined the club’s golden decade.
The call for Sinfield’s appointment comes as the Rhinos aim to “boost their fortunes now and in the future,” as stated by club CEO Gary Hetherington earlier in the week. Jones-Buchanan agreed, acknowledging the club’s vast scale and the need for the “right somebody” to lead it forward.
However, not everyone is convinced that the Sporting Director role should solely focus on the rugby league team. Former England captain Sam Tomkins questioned the scope of the position, pointing out that it would oversee various facets of the Rhinos organization, including the netball team.
“Whoever comes in, although they’ve got a hundred different jobs to do, they’ve got to get the team winning more,” Tomkins argued.
Hetherington has addressed the expanded nature of the Sporting Director role, noting that it has “got even bigger and more involved and more demanding in some respects” since Sinfield’s previous tenure. This reality check may raise questions about Sinfield’s suitability for the role, but ultimately, the decision rests with Hetherington and the Rhinos’ leadership.
As the rugby league community eagerly awaits the Rhinos’ decision, the prospect of a legendary figure like Kevin Sinfield taking the helm has undoubtedly captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
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