DONCASTER signing Liam Sutcliffe is on board with the club’s blueprint for success.
The former Super League centre who has penned a two-year contract believes the culture created and style of play promoted by coach Richard Horne, who took his side to this year’s Championship Grand Final, will suit him.
Sutcliffe, 31, finished last season in the second tier at Midlands (now Birmingham) Hurricanes after switching from Huddersfield Giants.
He previously spent ten years with Leeds Rhinos, playing in the Super League Grand Final win over Castleford Tigers in 2017 and the Challenge Cup final triumphs of 2014 (over Castleford) and 2020 (Salford Red Devils).
Sutcliffe also represented England (in the 44-6 win over France at Leigh in 2018) and later had two seasons at Hull FC before joining Huddersfield in 2925.
“It’s been everyone buying into the same goal and the same systems at Doncaster, and that’s something that can really help you do something special,” he explained.
“I am stepping away from full-time rugby, and I wanted to make sure the deal and the club were right for me.
“To come and speak to Doncaster and have the conversations we’ve had has made my decision a bit easier.”
Sutcliffe worked with Horne’s assistant Chris Plume at Leeds and added: “I know him well and the style of play Rich and he have implemented is appealing.
“The vision of the club and how they’ve been going over the last few years is really something that’s on the up.
“I’ve been around a fair bit now, and I’d like to think I can bring that experience with me, whether that’s off the pitch or on it.”
Doncaster have agreed a one-year contract extension with centre/secondrow Sam Smeaton, taking the 38-year-old, who has been awarded a testimonial, to eight seasons with the South Yorkshire outfit.
