Leeds Rhinos’ Liam Sutcliffe: Signing a new deal was the right thing to do

The England international, 26, has spent his entire career so far at hometown Leeds and will now stay there until at least the end of the 2024 campaign.

Sutcliffe, who was due to be out of contract at the end of this year, had asked to go on the list last July saying that he felt it was “time for a change.” The versatile player, who can operate at stand-off, centre, back-row and loose forward, had wanted to cement one specific role and was unsure if that was possible at Emerald Headingley.

However, after Harry Newman suffered a broken leg in September, Sutcliffe enjoyed an extended run in the side at centre and flourished once more.

“I am pleased to have got it (deal) sorted after everything that went on last year that resulted in me handing in a transfer request,” he explained. “The club were great with me and since coming back after lockdown last year, I have spoken with Richard (Agar) and Kevin (Sinfield) and they have spoken to me about the role they see me playing at the club.

“I have had plenty of time to think about this decision so I know it is the right one for me and my future.”

Sutcliffe has made 183 appearances for Leeds since debuting in 2013, scoring 58 tries, winning the Challenge Cup three times and also being part of the 2017 Grand Final glory.

“I made my debut when I was 18,” added the player, whose solitary Test cap came against France in 2018.

“I am now 26 and it does feel like I have been at the club for a long time.

“However, I want to be part of this squad going forward and helping us achieve more success in the coming years.”

Head coach Agar added: “I am really pleased that Liam sees his future here. He has achieved an incredible amount so far in his career and his form at the end of last season was not only consistent but of a very high level.

“He is a naturally gifted and talented player.”

There is no doubting that and the key now for Sutcliffe will be making the most of those talents as he enters the prime years of his career.

He gets a chance to secure a centre berth when the season starts next month given Super League Young Player of the Year Newman is still on the road to recovery. Leeds’s other first-choice centre is Tonga superstar Konrad Hurrell so competition will be fierce when all are fit.

Rhinos director of rugby Sinfield added: “We knew this was an important decision for Liam at this stage of his career.

“We are delighted that he has committed his long-term future to the Rhinos.

“His partnership with Ash Handley last season was a real bright spot and it will be great to see that flourish this season with a good pre-season together.”

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.