Three potential destinations for Liam Sutcliffe

VaselineJune 6, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Three potential destinations for Liam Sutcliffe

Liam Sutcliffe seems to be on the move. Sutcliffe has been one of the few consistent players in a struggling Hull FC side over the past two seasons since joining from Leeds Rhinos. His contract is set to expire at the end of this season and he looks unlikely to extend his stay on Humberside.

While he’s only 29, Sutcliffe feels like he’s been around forever. He first broke into the Leeds Rhinos team in 2013, but his breakthrough season came in 2015 when he kept Kevin Sinfield out of the team in his final season. However, an ACL injury meant he missed that year’s treble-winning game.

He played over 200 games for the Rhinos over a 10-year period before moving to Hull for the 2023 season after playing in the 2022 Grand Final defeat of Leeds. He has made 29 appearances since joined Black and White. This season he played 10 times, scoring three times.

With his time at FC seemingly coming to an end, we look at three potential destinations for Sutcliffe in 2025.

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Huddersfield Giants

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Huddersfield Giants are in the market for one, if not two, centers next season. The club have been dealt a major blow to their 2025 planning when news emerged that one of this season’s star performers, Esan Marsters, will be joining Salford Red Devils for 2025.

Marsters has been in red-hot form this season with four tries and six assists in the 12 games he has played. Although Huddersfield’s form faltered, Marsters remained a consistent performer.

On the other flank, Huddersfield currently rely on evergreen veteran Kevin Naiqama. However, Naiqama’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to decide whether he will play for another year or if this will be his last.

This leaves the door open for Liam Sutcliffe to return to West Yorkshire. Sutcliffe is a consistent performer with plenty of experience. A move to Huddersfield would be the perfect fit for both parties,

Leigh Leopards

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Leigh Leopards are facing a summer of transition with several high profile departures confirmed and more rumored to be on the way. At this rate, Richie Myler might be looking to book a minibus to bring Hull’s new recruits across the Pennines from Leigh. John Asiata is already confirmed and Oliver Holmes, Zak Hardaker and Ed Chamberlain are rumored to be joining him.

Crucially, Chamberlain and Hardaker are both centres, which leaves a hole in Leigh’s back line. With Ricky Leutele rumored to be heading for the Leigh exit, they will need to recruit in that position before 2025.

Leigh may decide to make a play to bring Sutcliffe to the club. As the club search the world for talent to replace their rising stars, Sutcliffe would be a practical choice. He would not have a salary cap and would not occupy a quota place in the team.

It would also give Leigh the opportunity to bring one of Hull’s players back the other way.

Trinity Wakefield

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Wakefield Trinity have ambitious plans for their imminent return to Super League. They have already completed the signings of Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone, with the two England internationals joining for the 2025 season.

Wakefield owner Matt Ellis has spoken of his ambitions to turn the club into a top-six team. To do that, he needs to bring in players who can help build a winning culture at the club.

With his experience at Leeds Rhinos, Sutcliffe can do just that. Sutcliffe has been part of teams that have won Grand Finals and Challenge Cups, so he knows what it takes to compete at the top of Super League. Wakefield will face a big influx of players in the final season and Sutcliffe can help lay the foundations of a winning team.

If Wakefield are looking to become Super League regulars, signings like Liam Sutcliffe will help them achieve their goal.

VaselineJune 6, 2024

0 3 minutes read