Adam Cuthbertson is 'remodelling prop role', says John Kear
- Published
Leeds Rhinos forward Adam Cuthbertson has helped to reinvent the role of the modern prop forward in Super League, says Wales coach John Kear.
The 30-year-old broke the record for offloads in a single Super League season with 10 against Wigan last time out, taking him to 97 in 2015.
Such form has raised the question of whether the Australian, whose father is English, could be picked for England.
"He's changed the job description for a prop," Kear told the Super League Show.
"Whether I'd like to see him playing for England, I don't know.
"From a rugby league player's point of view, yes I would because his skill set is absolutely outstanding."
Adam Cuthbertson Super League stats 2015 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tries | Carries | Clean breaks | Try assists | Offloads | Metres | Tackles |
6 (19) | 380 (390) | 8 (24) | 4 (23) | 97 (97) | 2297 (2950) | 642 (930) |
* Figure in brackets is highest figure in each category |
Should the Rhinos front-rower be selected, he would not be the first English-qualified Australia-born player to represent England, with Chris Heighington and Dan Sarginson two of the most recent caps.
Having faced Cuthbertson when Leeds were victorious in the Challenge Cup encounter against Huddersfield in May, Giants hooker Luke Robinson has first-hand experience of his qualities.
"He's a scrum half in a prop's body," said Robinson. "He does the lot - he can kick, offloads and has a great pre-line pass. He's fitted into their system perfectly.
"Adam's difficult to play against because he's such a big bloke but he's got all the skill sets to go with it."
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