I feel part of the fabric at Leeds – Cuthbertson
AUSTRALIAN prop Adam Cuthbertson says he feels part of Leeds Rhinos’ “fabric” after he agreed a new deal that could see him through to the end of his playing days.
Cuthbertson, who joined from Newcastle Knights ahead of the 2015 season, has signed a twoyear contract that will expire as he approaches his 36th birthday.
Given the player’s standing – he was Man of Steel runner-up in his debut campaign – it is a welcome boost for the champions ahead of tonight’s West Yorkshire derby with Huddersfield Giants.
Ex-Manly Sea Eagles star Cuthbertson has won two Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup during his stay at Headingley so far but wants more.
And, after more than 100 games in the blue and amber, he conceded there was never any likelihood he would leave. Cuthbertson said: “I am very happy to have it all sorted.
“I have been contracted for the last four years at the club, so it will be good to make this my final home going forward.
“Hopefully we can have even more success in the years ahead.”
He explained: “You have to think about a lot of things when it comes to signing a new deal but in terms of where I was going to sign, it was a very easy decision.
“I love this club and I couldn’t think about being anywhere else.
“I have never tried to put too much planning into my career. I have had a few different clubs, but it is nice to have settled at a club where I have had success.
“I have been able to ingrain myself within the culture of the club and make this a long-term commitment between both parties. I feel part of the club, not just as a player, but part of the fabric of the place.”
However, although they reached the Challenge Cup semifinals with last week’s win over Leigh Centurions, Leeds’s title defence is under pressure.
They are down in seventh ahead of the visit of a Huddersfield side who are intent on improving their own eighth spot in Super League under new head coach Simon Woolford.
Giants, who should see Aaron Murphy make his 200th Super League appearance, will give scrum-half Ollie Russell, 19, only his second appearance with veteran Danny Brough starting a three-game ban.