Well said - unfortunately too many are besotted with the fact that Sinny isn't a flamboyant half back. Fortunately those who's opinions matter (ie players/coaches) would most likely tell you he's the best all round captain England have had in the SL era. International RL will never succeed when its own fans can't recognise quality in a player who doesn't play for their club. Very sad!

Yep that "brain fart" was totally insignificant and unimportant in the greater scheme of things.

Given he had no chance if being around for the next WC then right to go. (Same possibly for O'Loughlin and Westwood)

Had this years four nations been held in England then I think he might've stayed on. Not as much as a toil compared to spending several weeks as a touring team. Also we stand a slight chance when it's held here.....when it's in Oz it's pretty much zero chance of winning.

Whilst I still think Sinfield is good enough to play for England for another couple of years he wouldn't be around for the next World Cup. So I think it's the right move for England as we should use the 3 years to build for the World Cup.

I'd be looking to secure a spine of the team of:
1. Hardaker
6. Tomkins
7. Widdop
9. Roby
14. Clark/Burrow

They're all quality players and bar injury I think we need these playing together as much as possible prior to the next World Cup.

As for captain, I'd go with O'Loughlin and Graham as vice captain, lining up to take over whenever O'Loughlin retires.

Kev's appearances at international level down under are best forgotten.

July 12th 2002 - Australia 64 Great Britain 10 (Sydney)
Nov 2nd 2008 - Australia 52 England 4 (Melbourne)
Nov 8th 2008 - England 24 New Zealand 36 (Newcastle)

He's made the right decision to retire.

O'Loughlin is the best captain from those available IMO but he's had a knack of missing these England campaigns at the end of the year a few times now (had last year been a 4N and not a WC I doubt he'd have competed). So given his injury issues I'm not expecting him to go on the trip Down Under which obviously rules out him for captain if that happens.

Not sad, just clueless. Even the Aussie media had him down as MOM for most WC games.

With Sinfield gone I'd definitely move Tomkins into 6 or 7. He's going pretty well for the Warriors going forward, but is error-prone in defence and Hardaker would be a better bet in that role, as well as being reasonable going forward.

Lame attempt, even by your own pathetic standards and the fact you're trolling this thread just says it all really.

England in World Cups in Sinfield's time

2000 - as a squad member
Vs Australia L 2-22
Vs New Zealand L 6-49

2008 - as a squad member
Vs Australia L 4-52
Vs New Zealand L 24-36
Vs New Zealand L 22-32

2013 - AS CAPTAIN
Vs Australia L 20-28
Vs New Zealand L 18-20

Granted we didn't manage to pick up the wins over them last year but under his captaincy we made massive strides to where we were previously in taking beatings and being so far behind in World Cups.

His biggest brain fart was with 1 minute, 46 seconds to go when he kicked on the last tackle to the Kiwi fullback in centre field instead of consolidating position and grubbering the ball dead into touch well inside the Kiwi half. That particular brain fart led to an immediate Kiwi set (instead of killing some invaluable remaining time with a scrum) and eventual penalty for a high shot on SBW. Three tackles later, a follow-up brain fart saw Sinfield shoot out of the line and the World Cup Final was history.

Sinfield was dropped due to his poor performance against NZ the week before in the 24-36 loss.

He wasn't selected for the semi final which England lost 22-32.

Yes I know he didn't play in that one. I clearly stated England performances in World Cups during Sinfield's time....not Sinfield's appearances solely. Do keep up you sad little man Must've wounded you last week when Sinfield lifted the cup at Wembley, bet you had your stats ready of Sinfield's Win/Loss record at Wembley Stadium ready to update and post.