Featherstone sign Challenge Cup winner and Castleford target

Featherstone Rovers have signed Alex Sutcliffe on loan for the rest of the 2021 campaign.

Sutcliffe joins on loan with Leeds holding the recall option. Whilst it may be a couple of weeks before Sutcliffe can play as he continues to recover from injury, his signing will add some depth in the middle where he can play either centre or second row.

Ian Hardman, Rovers’ Football Manager commented:

“I’m delighted to welcome Alex back to Featherstone Rovers , Alex is an exceptional young player who will bring a great deal of quality to our squad, Hardman said.

“The fact that he has played at Featherstone Previously and worked under our coaching staff will make for a smooth transition and his ability to operate as both a centre and back row is certainly something that will benefit us as we approach the business end of the season.

“I’d like to thank Richard Agar and Leeds Rhinos for allowing Alex to join us and I’m sure our supporters are looking forward to seeing Alex back in a Featherstone shirt in the coming months.’’

Alex Sutcliffe added: “I’m really excited to be coming back to Fev to hopefully get some game time under my belt and try my best to help Fev for a Super League spot next year.’’

Sutcliffe has previously played for the club in 2019 and 2020 on dual registration but was later part of Leeds Rhinos’ Challenge Cup winning team last year. He scored 16 tries in 20 games in a Featherstone shirt in his previous spell.

The centre is expected to sign for Castleford from 2022 onwards as incoming Tigers boss Lee Radford continues to rebuild.