Former NRL forward Adam Cuthbertson jokes he is quitting with a 100 per cent record as a coach but is serious about prolonging his Super League playing career as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the Rhinos.
The 33-year-old Australian's desire to get into coaching coincided with the launch of a women's team at Headingley and he enjoyed a successful debut as Leeds defeated Bradford 32-16 in the opening game of the Women's Super League on Sunday.
"I was looking at getting into coaching," Cuthbertson said. "I'm 33 now and I want to give back to the club.
"I was going to help out with the under-19s but then the opportunity for the girls' coaching gig came up and the next thing I knew, I was head coach.
"It all fell into place. I was lucky with the timing."
There were also wins for St Helens, Wigan, Barrow, Leigh and Wakefield on the opening weekend but it was the Rhinos' victory over the reigning champions that caught the eye.
"I quit," he quipped. "Knock off the premiers, I'm done
"Seriously the game itself was really exciting, two clubs displaying a lot of skill, effort and desire. It's exciting for the game going forward.
"There was about 3500 there at the start of the game and then it rained but they all they got into it. It was a good standard of rugby and it's great for women's sport."
Cuthbertson, who made the move to Super League three years ago after playing in the NRL for Manly, Cronulla, St George Illawarra and Newcastle, is among a host of Leeds players out of contract at the end of the season but is hoping for a new deal.
"I'd love to stay," he said. "I'm looking to play good, first and foremost for myself and the team and, if anything comes of it in terms of contract talks, then it's a massive plus."
