Tom Lineham

Tom Lineham (born 21 September 1992) is an English professional rugby league player who plays for Hull FC in the Super League and has previously played for York City Knights. He has also played rugby union for York RUFC. Lineham has represented Yorkshire in Rugby Union.^[1]

Career

Lineham's position as a junior with York RUFC was in the back row he was equally adapt at number 8 or openside flanker, but has played at Inside centre for York and more recently at wing when he converted to rugby league.

Lineham joined York RUFC under 15s in September 2006 as a raw young talent with excellent speed and strength. He quickly became a regular in the York team, going on to represent North Yorkshire that same season. Lineham's second season with York was an even better one than his first, he was York's top tryscorer at the end of the season. Lineham really got heads turning and people talking about him and his performances, which led to a Yorkshire call up at blindside flanker part way through the 2007-2008 season.

Lineham then went to York College in 2008 to study for his A-Levels, this is when he first started playing rugby league for the College's Rugby Development Centre, originally coached by the late Paul Higgins. Once again Lineham excelled for the team scoring 15 tries in 7 appearances, earning a trial with the Knights. Lineham played two trail games with the knights reserve grade and subsequently was offered an 18 month contract with the Knights in 2009. Tom has signed a further 1 year contract at the knights for the season 2011 season where the knights will be playing in the championship after last seasons promotion. Hull FC were believed to have approached Tom with an offer but no contract was agreed due to Tom needing ACL knee reconstruction leaving in him sidelined for 9 months.

Linehams first try for the Knights first team came on 2 April 2010 against Gateshead Thunder at Huntington Stadium when he ran the ball in from 50-metre. Knights boss James Ratcliffe joked: "I think I would’ve scored Tom’s try if I was 20 years younger."

Lineham's talent is obvious when he was picked last minute to run in a race to name rugby leagues fastest man. Lineham shocked and stunned the crowd by achieving a fantastic 3rd place. Being the youngest in the race and less than 0.2seconds behind the winner, Lineham proved his capabilities. "He is a determined and focused individual and a valued member of the team" commented his manager. As well as sport Lineham is concentrating on completing a sports diploma at Selby College whilst playing professional rugby.

Tom signed for Hull FC in 2011. After a number of eyecatching performances in the Academy, Tom made his first team debut as a late substitute in the 32-18 derby win at Craven Park. His performance was rewarded with a starting spot in the next game at home to Salford where he scored two tries whilst making a notable contribution to another, in a Man of the match performance consolidating his status as one of the most promising young talents in super league.

Hull FC

References