Tigers sign Sutcliffe for 2022

The second row/centre came through the Leeds Academy system and has gone on to represent the Headingley club at Super League level and was part of the Rhinos’ Challenge Cup Final victory at Wembley Stadium in 2020.

Sutcliffe’s adaptability in the middle will provide a huge asset for the Fords moving forward and speaking to castlefordtigers.com about his move to the club, he explained that he is looking forward to getting started and sampling the raucous Jungle atmosphere.

“I can’t wait, I am really looking forward to it and I’m itching to get going! I can’t wait to get in and meet all the lads and have a big 2022.

“I have always admired how Castleford play and I love the fans there. I love how vocal they are especially down at Cas with the fans being so close to the pitch because it is like having an extra man on the field. The fans are such a big part of it, for me.

“I have been the 18th man a few times and it is an intimidating place to go. It makes a massive difference with how loud they are.”

Lee Radford is taking the reins at Wheldon Road from 2022 and when asked about working alongside the two-time Challenge Cup winning coach, the 22-year-old explained that he can’t wait to be under Radford’s tutelage.

“He obviously was a really good player. I like everything with the way he sets things out, so I can’t wait for him to take me under his wing and make me a physically tough player. Personally, I prefer the second-row position because you are more involved and more in the nitty gritty stuff.

“I don’t mind a bit of physicality. I pride my game on it especially in my defence, but I don’t mind playing either centre or back row though.”

Having been with the Rhinos since he was a teenager, Alex has gone through the youth system and into their First Team, and he has stated that his time at Leeds has shaped him as a player. Now Sutcliffe is excited to be linking up with the Tigers’ players.

“I have been with Leeds for eight years and have been privileged enough to win a Challenge Cup, so it’s been class. I owe a lot to them, and I have enjoyed my time.

“This season Cas have played a number of young players, and there is some really exciting talent coming through. I know Sam Hall and Brad Martin, who are young lads coming through and they look really good. It should be a good next few years for us.”

In closing, Sutcliffe addressed the Fords faithful and put forward that he’s eyeing a successful future at Wheldon Road along with some silverware.

“I can’t wait to see you all and hopefully we have a good 2022. I hope we can go one better and win the Challenge Cup and then push on for even more.”

The addition of Alex Sutcliffe is another strong member of Lee Radford’s squad for the 2022 season, and the Fords’ new Head Coach declared how thrilled he was to be able to secure a player with a potentially big future ahead of him.

“I’m surprised we had the opportunity to pick Alex up, he is a fantastic young player that can flip between second row and centre, but I would love for him to nail down a second-row spot.

“I think he has all the physical attributes and the skillset to be able to play there. If you go at him, he’ll whack you because he’s got a shot on him as well.

“I am over the moon to have secured his services because there is a long-term future for him at Castleford Tigers.”