Leeds United skipper Sinfield backs Ward to relish Wembley (From York Press)

Leeds United skipper Sinfield backs Ward to relish Wembley

10:50am Friday 24th August 2012 in Sport

Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield believes Wembley could be the stage for his 18-year-old protege Stevie Ward to come of age.

The teenage utility player, who is still celebrating his A-level results, only made his Super League debut five months ago but will line up against Warrington in tomorrow’s Challenge Cup final.

Ward has been dubbed the new ‘Kevin’ after being compared with his club captain, who was also playing Super League while a sixth-form student, and Sinfield, pictured at Wembley, expects the youngster to live up to the billing.

Sinfield is the only Leeds player to have won the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match – in the 25-24 defeat by Hull in 2005 – and would not be surprised to see Ward emulate him.

“It’s probably made for him,” he said. “As an 18-year-old, you don’t have any fear. He’s full of enthusiasm and he’s got plenty of class about him.”