Crosby is grateful to Sinfield for opportunity to '˜keep improving' with Leeds Rhinos

Crosby made his debut for Rhinos, following his move from Warrington Wolves, in Friday’s 34-0 home success against Widnes Vikings. It was Leeds’s first victory in 10 Super League matches, but with Huddersfield Giants, Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity all winning they have been condemned to the Super 8s Qualifiers for the second time in three years.

Despite that, Crosby, who won two Grand Finals with Wigan Warriors before joining Warrington last year, insisted the lure of playing under Rhinos’ new director of rugby Kevin Sinfield – and for a club that have won every available honour over the past decade – was too powerful to resist.

“Leeds are one of the biggest clubs in the league, if not the biggest,” said the 27-year-old prop. “They have been the most successful team over the last decade or so and I’m just grateful for the opportunity off Kevin. I hope I can keep improving and help the team out.”

It is rare a player of Crosby’s experience, with more than 100 Super League games under his belt, becomes available at this stage of the season.

Sinfield has been attempting to strengthen Rhinos’ squad since taking charge almost three weeks ago and the arrangement suits both parties. Crosby added: “I had a few personal issues at Warrington and I think it was just time for a change. When the opportunity came I grabbed it with both hands.

“After speaking with Kev and hearing the direction he wants to go and what kind of player he wants, I think I fit that mold. I am just focusing on next week now and on keeping improving.”

The win last week, Leeds’s first in the league since April, gave not only Crosby’s confidence a lift, but also the team’s.

He reflected: “It was good to blow some cobwebs off. I’d not played for a couple of weeks and not trained much.

“I’m just looking to build on that and keep the momentum going. The win is a bit of a confidence-boost. There’s a bit of a buzz around the place now.”