Spotlight on Leeds Rhinos' long-serving local Liam Sutcliffe
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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.
Attributes:
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Hide AdThe 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.
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:
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Hide AdSutcliffe became Leeds’ first-choice centre in 2017 and was a Grand Final winner in that position.
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.
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Hide AdHis 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.
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Laura Collins
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