McGuire expecting Sutcliffe to challenge for his Leeds place

Leeds stand-off Danny McGuire is expecting to have to fight for his place next season, as Liam Sutcliffe continues to develop as a player.

Sutcliffe, 20, was shortlisted for Super League‘s Young Player of the Year Award in 2014, and McGuire anticipates further improvement in the youngster next year.

“I think ‘Sutty’ will challenge more again,” McGuire told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“He played a lot of games anyway last year. It’s very early in the season. We’ve not done much team stuff – a lot of guys have had operations and are away – but I think Mac (Brian McDermott) will pick who he thinks is best for the team.

“It keeps you on your toes knowing you have to fight for your position. Hopefully I’m playing well enough at six or seven and do a good enough job for the team.”

McGuire is now 32, but with over 350 Leeds games under his belt he still believes he has plenty to offer the Rhinos.

“I do still feel I’ve got plenty left in me and was happy with how things went last term,” he added.

2I’m excited for this season, too. I really want to have a good year.”