Cuthbertson enjoying playmaker role at Leeds

Leeds Rhinos prop Adam Cuthbertson is relishing the freedom to play that being in Super League gives him.

The England-qualified front rower joined the Rhinos from NRL outfit Newcastle Knights during the close season.

Away from the rigid structures of the NRL, Cuthbertson is enjoying getting his hands on the ball more often.

“I can test my hand a little bit more in this team. In the NRL everything is a bit more manufactured and I had a bit of a different role,” the 30-year-old told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“I can’t say I didn’t enjoy playing in the NRL, but I know my ability and I had to tame it a bit.

“That’s a hard thing to do in its own right, knowing when and when not to pass the ball or off-load or even when to just run.

“Obviously I have gained from the role I had over there and I am trying to mix it up a bit here.

“I am really enjoying it. It has been great since I have been here.

“If you ask my family and everyone I’ve grown up with, they’d always say I’ve tried to do that.

“I’ve copped a bit of flak over the years for having a bit more of a game in me, but unfortunately I grew up a bit tall, so I found myself in the loose-forward and front-row role.

“Brian McDermott has worked really hard with me, working on my confidence and just playing what I see and the main thing, just enjoying my footy.