NEWCASTLE and Wests Tigers have joined the race for promising young Manly forward Adam Cuthbertson's signature.
And the back-rower has credited finding Christianity a year ago as the catalyst for his stunning rise from obscurity.
Cuthbertson has been a revelation for the Sea Eagles, following up his man-of-the-match performance against the Tigers last week with the matchwinning try in Manly's victory against Cronulla on Friday night.
His recent heroics have piqued the interest of rival clubs, with five now in the market for his services. Cuthbertson's manager, Andrew Purcell, declined to nominate the interested parties but The Sun-Herald has learned the Knights and Tigers are keen to add him to their rosters. The Sea Eagles are also hopeful of retaining him.
Cuthbertson, a Manly junior, indicated his first preference was to stay put, before revealing the role the church had in his transformation from a fringe player to an integral part of the Sea Eagles' campaign.
"It's been a big part of my life in the last year or so," he said of the Oxford Falls Christian City Church. "I went there with an open mind and it's helped me to become a better person.
"I really believe in myself. I went there with my best mate [Ben Milliken] and I've never looked back.
"They're awesome people. It's been great to see life from a different angle. It's helped me pick up my game by believing in myself."
The 22-year-old has played Australian Schoolboys rugby union and league, but said the latter code was his present focus.
"I'd have a look at union again at some stage but my goal is to be a dominant figure in rugby league," he said.
"If I can do that, down the track I may look at rugby."
Meanwhile, young Shark Dane Nielsen, who made his debut against Manly, has attracted interest from Canberra.
