Sinfield heaps praise on McClennan
McClennan led the Rhinos to their third consecutive Grand Final win
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Sunday, 11, Oct 2009 11:49
Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield praised coach Brian McClennan for masterminding their third consecutive Grand Final victory.
Sinfield, who was awarded man of the match in the 18-10 win over St Helens, also commended the efforts of chairman Paul Caddick and chief executive Gary Hetherington in helping the Rhinos to re-write Super League history.
Sinfield told the Rhinos official website: "The coach deserves the credit for how he has managed this team since he arrived here.
"New Zealand's loss has certainly been our gain. I have also spoken about Paul Caddick and Gary Hetherington and how this is down to them as well.
"In a salary cap sport it is tough to keep together a group of players and they have managed that by creating an environment that no one wants to leave.
"We lose people occasionally like Nick Scruton and Gareth Ellis last year and Lee Smith this year.
"But everyone else is here for good. We could all probably go elsewhere and earn more money but we don't.
"You can't buy memories like tonight. These aren't just team mates, they are friends too. In that sense we are billionaires when it comes to memories."
McClennan was quick to deflect praise away from himself and back towards the players, in particular his captain.
McClennan said: "I am so pleased for these guys. Good things happen to good people and I could not be prouder of them.
"The way these guys live their lives and how they promote our great game, I think they deserve credit for that.
"That is epitomised by our captain Kevin Sinfield. To lead a team to four Championships is an incredible achievement."
Tom Powell