ADAM CUTHBERTSON has been named as Leeds Rhinos Women's first-ever head coach - giving women's rugby league another notable boost.

The Australian forward, who has won two Super League titles in his three years with the Rhinos, will combine the full-time role with his playing commitments.

The West Yorkshire giants are one of the clubs who have been accepted into the newly expanded Women's Super League - York City Knights being another after their successful season in the Summer Merit League.

"It's good to see girls getting involved at Leeds and having the opportunity to be part of the first Leeds Rhinos Women's rugby league team," said Cuthbertson.

"I really enjoy coaching. I did a bit back in Australia and we do a lot of promotional stuff at the Rhinos where we go into schools and clubs and teach the game of rugby league.

"So it's a great opportunity to build on that and get on board now with hopefully a very successful campaign with the women's team.

"It's going to be big. Obviously it will be difficult to juggle if I'm playing on the same night but hopefully I have got some good staff and some great players around me.

"We had a great set of trials and there have been some really outstanding numbers that have been involved already, so hopefully we get a good team together and we can put on a good show in the 2018 season."

Cuthbertson was viewed as the perfect coach to lead Leeds into their inaugural Women's Super League season.

Leeds Rhinos Foundation rugby league development plan manager Leon Crick said: "He has shown a keen interest in getting more involved with the new team and we felt he was an ideal candidate for the job.

"When I approached him about heading up the new Rhinos team, he jumped at the chance. He'll be a fantastic head coach and is the first cog in a really exciting project for us."

The new-look league, which kicks off in March, also features other stellar names such as Castleford Tigers, St Helens, Widnes Vikings and Wigan Warriors.