‘The Four Nations final at Anfield will be a great occasion’

Tickets to see the world’s top-two ranked rugby league teams, who are set to go head to head at Liverpool’s home ground at 2.30pm GMT on Sunday, are available to buy here after Australia ended England’s hopes of competing for the trophy with a 36-18 victory over the hosts yesterday.

Sinfield enjoyed plenty of success in Super League Grand Finals held at Old Trafford, but the legendary ex-Leeds Rhinos skipper admits he will feel a pang of envy towards the Kangaroos and Kiwis players this weekend.

“Unfortunately I never played at Anfield. I’ve played in loads of grounds, good grounds as well, but Old Trafford was pretty special because we won more than we lost there,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“Being in that type of football arena - I far prefer Old Trafford to Wembley and I’m sure if I’d have played at Anfield I’d have preferred Anfield over Wembley as well, because you know you’re up north. 

“The support is pretty ferocious. If you’re there and you’ve got a crowd advantage, you can really feel it. I’d have loved to have played at Anfield, especially now with the new stand, and I think it’ll be a great occasion for the Four Nations final. 

“I think it was a really good decision to put the final there. I think we are going to see a new market [of fans], but having said that there’s some history, some big games have been played at Anfield in the past so it’ll be great to go back.”

New Zealand are the holders of the Four Nations title having beaten Australia in the final two years ago, but Sinfield is backing the Kangaroos to come out on top this time around. 

“They’re too strong at this moment in time,” he added.

“I like the style of play of New Zealand and what they’re about but…when they face Australia they struggle a bit. I think Australia have the upper hand.”

Sinfield’s footballing loyalties lie with his hometown club Oldham Athletic, but the 36-year-old - now rugby director at the Rugby Football League - keeps a close eye on the Reds.

“I have a soft spot for Liverpool. I really like [Jürgen] Klopp, but I’m pretty pally with James Milner as well so wherever he’s at I always look for the results and want him to do well," he added.

“I’m a patron for James’ charity, the James Milner Foundation, and he’s been great, sorting us out with tickets for a few games. I haven’t been yet this season but hopefully I’ll get down before the end of the year.”

To buy your tickets for this Sunday's Four Nations final, click here.