Leeds Rhinos: The Jungle is a home from home for pack man Cuthbo'

PLAYING AT the Jungle on Thursday will be like a taste of home for Leeds Rhinos' Australian prop Adam Cuthbertson.
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Adam Cuthbertson

Cuthbertson reckons Castleford Tigers’ base reminds him of Brookvale Oval, home of his first professional club Manly Sea Eagles.

“I enjoyed playing there last year, it was a great experience playing in that atmosphere,” Cuthbertson said.

“They are really vocal, the Cas fans.

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Adam Cuthbertson
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“I played at Brooky for a number of years and it’s not too different to that. That’s why I really embraced it.

“I am looking forward to getting back there and hopefully we can turn up with a similar team attitude to Friday night.”

Rhinos beat St Helens last weekend to move within a point of eighth-placed Tigers, who are on a three-match losing run.

“You can’t read anything into that,” Cuthbertson said of Tigers’ recent form. “We always have tough games against Cas.

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Adam Cuthbertson
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“They knocked us off twice at home last year, but fortunately we got them at their home. It will be a really good game.”

Cuthbertson scored Rhinos’ second try in the win over Saints. That was his first of the year and only Leeds’ 15th of the Super League campaign, but they added three more and reached 30 points for the first time since the 50-0 Challenge Cup final rout of Hull KR last August.

“We had a lot more numbers on the paddock in training last week, which we haven’t had for a number of weeks,” Cuthbertson said.

“It really showed out there. We had a lot of enthusiasm and it was just a great win, especially being back home in front of our home fans.

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“It is a tough period now, but getting that win and having a lot of healthy bodies around the joint makes it quite exciting for us going into Easter.

“It is a very tiring period, but the fact morale has picked up a bit will help us a lot going into that weekend.”

The Aussie stressed it is important Rhinos build on last weekend’s victory. He predicted: “If we get some consistency with our team to start with we will get some consistency on the field. Friday was a starting point for us and we have to execute it again.”

Hooker Beau Falloon made his first home debut against Saints – and first start – and Cuthbertson reckons he will bring a new dimension to Rhinos’ play. He said: “Structurally it was different because first and foremost he is a hooker.

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“It is great having him. He was great for us and he made a lot of good decisions, which helped us out. He worked very hard and it was good for him.

“It’s hard getting here and then having to watch for the first couple of weeks.

“As a new import you want to come over here and really impress the club and perform.

“He probably didn’t get as much game time as he would have wanted [against Wigan Warriors], but he played well on Friday and hopefully he features in all our games going forward.”

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