Super League Sides Struggle With ‘Grinding’ NRL Style, Says Cuthbertson

By STEVE MASCORD

SUPER League sides struggle to adapt from their week-to-week freewheeling style to matching the grinding tactics of Australasian teams in the World Club Series, according to Leeds star Adam Cuthbertson.
In Sunday’s world title decider at Headingley, the Rhinos matched NRL premiers North Queensland for the first half but were gassed in the second as they crashed 38-4.
“It’s just a different style of football,” said Cuthbertson, 30.
“You go from playing in the Super League where we play the style of play we have to play every week, and then you go into a grinding battle with the NRL teams.
“We definitely didn’t get the best results in terms of the series over the weekend but there’s something there for improvement and growth,
“I dare say that if we (Leeds) had a full team in, it would have been a different story.”
Meanwhile, Cuthbertson does not see the appointment of Wayne Bennett as good news for his England chances.
Bennett has said he will consider any eligible player, regardless of that player’s background. Cuthbertson qualifies under the parent rule.
“It doesn’t change things, the coach,” he said.
“I’ve got to still be playing good footy to be up for selection so I wouldn’t expect to have a run just because the coach changes.
“It really comes down to how I’m playing and whether he thinks I’m the best fit for the team.”

Filed for: RUGBY LEAGUE WEEK