Featherstone bring in Alex Sutcliffe from Leeds on loan

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

The 22-year-old centre or back-rower is nearing a return to action after spending time on the sidelines through injury. The Rhinos hold a recall option for him.

Sutcliffe has been heavily linked with a move to Castleford for next season, so he might have played his last game for Leeds.

Sutcliffe said: ‘’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 made 15 appearances for Leeds since making his first team debut in 2017. He helped the Rhinos win the Challenge Cup at Wembley last year.

He has spent time with Featherstone previously, having scored 16 tries in 20 games for Rovers on dual-registration in 2019 and 2020.

Featherstone football manager Ian Hardman said: “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.

“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.”

Last week, Leeds announced that Kevin Sinfield’s 16-year-old son Jack has signed his first professional deal with the Rhinos.

He said: “It’s a dream come true. I can’t really believe it to be honest but I’m really happy and buzzing to have signed my first professional contract.”