Spotlight on Leeds Rhinos' long-serving local Liam Sutcliffe

Academy product Liam Sutcliffe is the most versatile player in Leeds Rhinos’ squad - and arguably the whole of Betfred Super League.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Able to play in a host of roles in both forwards and backs, he made his debut in 2013 and is the club’s second-longest-serving player, after Stevie Ward.

Sutcliffe has made two appearances for Rhinos this year, plus one on dual-registration with Featherstone Rovers and is on the transfer list after asking for a move last month.

Here we assess his likely contribution in 2020.

Liam Sutcliffe takes on Hull's defence in Super League round one. Picture by Tony Johnson.Liam Sutcliffe takes on Hull's defence in Super League round one. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Liam Sutcliffe takes on Hull's defence in Super League round one. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Attributes:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The former Hunslet Warriors junior can play at full-back, centre, in the halves, second-row and loose-forward so is an ideal man to have in the squad.

He is also a handy goal kicker and has scored some important tries, most particularly in the 2017 Super League semi-final win over Hull.

Now in his seventh season, with 144 Super League appearances for Leeds to his name, he is one of Rhinos’ senior players at the age of 25.

Liam Sutcliffe's late penalty secured a crucial win over Salford in 2018. Picture by Tony Johnson.Liam Sutcliffe's late penalty secured a crucial win over Salford in 2018. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Liam Sutcliffe's late penalty secured a crucial win over Salford in 2018. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Defining moment:

Sutcliffe is a Grand Final winner, was capped by England in 2018 and has also played for the second-string Knights, but announced his arrival at the elite level six years ago when he featured as a substitute in Rhinos’ long-awaited Challenge Cup final win over Castleford Tigers at Wembley.

Best season:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sutcliffe became Leeds’ first-choice centre in 2017 and was a Grand Final winner in that position.

Liam Sutcliffe is back in training after a knee injury. Picture by Phil Daly.Liam Sutcliffe is back in training after a knee injury. Picture by Phil Daly.
Liam Sutcliffe is back in training after a knee injury. Picture by Phil Daly.

He scored 10 tries, 64 goals and a drop goal in 28 appearances, all but four of those in the starting lineup.

Concerns:

At this stage of his career, Sutcliffe - who is recovering from a knee injury - needs to nail down a settled position rather than being a utility-player and ideal bench man.

Value:

If a deal can be done at another club, Sutcliffe won’t be at Rhinos next year, which is a shame as he is a talented player and homegrown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His versatility ensures he will be in the 17 most weeks when available, but it is understandable he wants to be a first choice in the starting 13.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.