The Leeds prop Adam Cuthbertson is plotting a personal revenge mission on Friday night, targeting family bragging rights as the Super League leaders take on Warrington Wolves.
Although Cuthbertson was born in Australia and played his entire career there before moving to England at the start of this season, several members of his family are from Warrington and support the Wolves – including his father.
That link makes him eligible for England honours later this year – something the 30-year-old has declared he is keen on – but first, he is aiming to right Leeds’ only wrong in 2015 on Friday night and silence his family.
An impressive start to Super League XX from the Rhinos has yielded 10 wins from 11 games, with their only blip coming against the Wolves back in March.
As well as further cementing Leeds’ position at the top with a win, Cuthbertson wants to taste success to gain some bragging rights in his family.
“It’s always a big game, Leeds against Warrington, both on a team and a personal level,” said Cuthbertson. “Even more so for me, especially after the last game; we were hoping to walk away with the win so I could hold my head high amongst my family.
“But it wasn’t to be, and boy did they rub it in! It’s definitely a good chance to get one back over on them on Friday night.
“I’m going to be getting them tickets for the game, but they won’t be in with the Warrington fans – they’ll sit where they’re told!”
Cuthbertson insists that while it is frustrating the Rhinos have that solitary loss on their record in 2015, it should not divert attention away from their dominance in the early stages of Super League this year.
Already six points clear at the summit courtesy of the 41-16 thumping of the defending champions, St Helens, last Friday, Cuthbertson has ominously warned the rest of the league that while the Rhinos are cruising at the top, they can get even better.
He said: “On that night, Warrington came out and they were up for the game, and we just didn’t execute our plan like we had done that week in training. They took full advantage and it’s unfortunate that it’s our only blip in the season so far.
“People might talk about that one loss, but to only have one defeat in 11 is a great start to the season. If you’d asked us at the beginning of the year if we’d start like this you wouldn’t have been able to call it.
“We’ve been playing really well, but there’s a lot more rugby still to come from us. We’ve been working on little things each week, and it’s starting to come together now, we can feel it.”
The transition from the NRL to Super League is one Australian imports have infamously found tough in the past, but Cuthbertson has taken to English rugby league like a duck to water, standing out with a string of impressive performances. He admits that the pace and style of Super League, traditionally a lot quicker and more dynamic than the NRL, has helped him settle.
“The club are managing me really well, and resting me when I need to be rested. We’ve been playing footy since Boxing Day, and then there was the Easter period which I’m not used to at all,” added Cuthbertson.
“But I really enjoy Super League; it’s been great fun. The way we play – especially our backs and half-backs – really helps to promote my game. They’re always sniffing for the ball and looking for the second phase, which helps me out no end.
“I was used to the robotic style of the NRL; it’s very manufactured and there’s a lot of wrestling involved. I’m still getting used to certain things, but it’s a lot more enjoyable – more like the old brand of the game where everyone needs an element of skill.
“It’s been handy to come into a team that are settled; you’ve got a healthy team and a squad who are already gelled together as a strong unit.”
