Departing Leeds Rhinos star Liam Sutcliffe’s emotional moment after Grand Final defeat to St Helens

Liam Sutcliffe is Leeds born and bred. A Rhinos fan growing up and a product of the Leeds academy whilst being tipped as the next Kevin Sinfield.

He made his debut in 2013 making an instant impact in an injury hit campaign for the Rhinos. By 2014, he was winning a Challenge Cup Final whilst in 2015 he was set to replace Kevin Sinfield as Leeds’ halfback.

However, an injury stopped that and saw him move to centre but it didn’t stop him from being a key player.

He played in two Grand Finals as a centre winning win whilst also lifting the Challenge Cup in 2020 as a centre too.

Sutcliffe has just concluded his 10th season as a Rhino but it will also be his last. Sutcliffe is headed to Hull FC in 2023 alongside Leeds teammate Brad Dwyer.

Denied his fairytale ending in defeat to St Helens in the Grand Final, Leeds’ brilliant Behind the Game series showing the Grand Final behind the scenes highlights an emotional moment for Sutcliffe in the Leeds changing rooms.

After listening to his coach Rohan Smith speak about the incredible journey the Rhinos have undertaken in 2022, Sutcliffe spoke himself as he prepares for pastures new.

He said: “I just want to say to all the players and staff and that, I’ve loved every minute of this year even though it’s been tough. Thank you for making it so enjoyable shame it didn’t end on the right note but I have loved every minute of playing with you boys.”

Sutcliffe will likely play one last game for the Rhinos next week as they host New Zealand in the Kiwis’ warm up game for the World Cup which will act as the farewell game for Sutcliffe and co.