Adam Cuthbertson to play one final game for Leeds before retiring

Adam Cuthbertson will bring down the curtain on a stellar career when he plays one final game for Leeds when they take on New Zealand at Headingley on Saturday.

The 37-year-old prop joined Leeds in 2015 and finished runner-up to Zak Hardaker for the Man of Steel before helping the Rhinos win the treble that year.

He added a second Grand Final title to his collection in 2017 and was part of the Rhinos side that won the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2020.

Cuthbertson, who has been player-coach at Championship side Featherstone this year, will play one final game for Leeds on Saturday. The Rhinos face the Kiwis in a World Cup warm-up match at Headingley, 6pm kick-off.

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Adam Cuthbertson one his Headingley return

“It is strange to think I’ll get an opportunity to run out at Headingley,” Cuthbertson said.

“The Rhinos will always have a special place in my heart. I spent a good portion of my career at the club, the jersey means so much to me and the club have done so much for me, it is always a special occasion in front of the home fans so I can not wait for Saturday night.

“My time ended at the Rhinos in an odd fashion. Finishing my career at Leeds by winning the Challenge Cup was a brilliant way to go out but obviously due to Covid and an empty Wembley, it was a bit numbing and strange for a major event. Lifting silverware is always special, whether that’s the Challenge Cup, a Grand Final or your Under-6s’ Cup but due to the times, it was such an odd experience.

“I picked up a bad injury that put me out of the game for nine months and I finished my time at the Rhinos as a ballboy in games behind closed doors. To come home and do it one last time, especially with some of the lads I started the journey with, will be an honour.

“To be part of a team with Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe and Liam Sutcliffe again will make it even more special however I don’t think I’ll be able to keep up with Zak like I once did!”

Cuthbertson has made more than 300 career appearances for Manly, Cronulla, St George Illawarra, Newcastle Knights, Leeds, York and Featherstone.

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