Ex-Leeds Rhinos favourite lands coaching role Down Under

Former Leeds Rhinos man Adam Cuthbertson has been appointed as head coach of Queensland Cup side Mackay Cutters.

Cuthbertson represented the Cutters last season before hanging up his boots as player, bringing an end to a playing career that saw the forward play more than 300 games.

The 39-year-old can now look forward to a coaching career after agreeing to take the Cutters, who are linked to North Queensland Cowboys, into the 2025 campaign. Of course, the role isn’t Cuthbertson’s first as a coach and he spent time in charge of Leeds Rhinos Women during his playing days at the Rhinos.

Cuthbertson, who represented Manly Sea Eagles, Cronulla Sharks, St George Illawarra Dragons and Newcastle Knights in the NRL, spent six seasons with the Rhinos, joining in 2015 and making 157 appearances before moving on at the end of the 2020 Super League season.

He went on to represent York City Knights and Featherstone Rovers before heading back to Australia.

“I’m honoured to take on the role as head coach of this club,” he told the Cutters’ official site. “The Mackay region has a proud rugby league history, known for producing great talent and has a strong connection to the sport.

“My goal is to build on that legacy by developing a squad that competes at the highest level and reflects the values and spirit of our community. I’m committed to leading a program that will make our region proud and set the bar for excellence and dedication.”

Club CEO Dave Roberts added: “We are incredibly excited to have Adam step into the role of head coach for the 2025 season.

“Adam’s experience as a player and coach, combined with his dedication to the Cutters over the past two seasons, makes him the perfect fit to lead our team forward and oversee the club’s entire football program so that there is alignment in both the men’s and women’s pathways for players as well as coaches. We are confident that under his leadership, the Cutters will continue to grow and achieve new heights.”