Lineham longing for success
Tom Lineham believes Warrington could be on the verge of big things ahead of the upcoming season.
The 23-year old winger is one of many new faces at the Halliwell Jones Stadium with Warrington looking to improve on their sixth place finish in 2015.
The ex-Hull FC star scored 54 tries in 68 appearances for the Black and Whites before his move to Lancashire, but has said the move hasn’t affected him at all during pre-season.
“It’s been really good and I’m enjoying every minute of being here so far,” Lineham told Love Rugby League.
“I’m getting on really well with all the players, and I like the coaches that are involved at the club so it’s all good at the minute.”
Lineham has been tipped to fill the void that has been left by Wolves legend Joel Monaghan, who departed the club for Castleford Tigers.
Lineham said that although he is a big admirer of the former Canberra and Sydney Roosters star, he wants to focus on himself and make a name for himself at Warrington.
“Joel was one of my favourite players to watch in Super League,” he said.
“I like the way that he played and he scored as many tries as he did in appearances for Warrington, so I don’t think I can fill his boots.
“For me, he’s one of the best wingers in Super League history and he is up there with the likes of Lesley Vainikolo, but I’m just looking to continue my development and hopefully win some trophies here.”
Warrington over recent years have been renowned for their expansive playing style and ‘off-the-cuff’ rugby under Tony Smith, and it’s a style of rugby that the winger admits was one of the reasons he made the move in the off-season.
“I’ve always been a fan of how they throw the ball around and always play flamboyant rugby,” Lineham said.
“I also heard really great reports about Tony Smith and I fancied a change of scene, and when I weighed it all up, I thought Warrington was the place for me to be happy and playing rugby.”
With that style of play, Lineham says he has the ability to fit in well with the team, and says the club is now set up to challenge once more for trophies after an underwhelming 2015 season.
“I think the style suits me, because if they get the ball in some space for me out wide, it’s a wingers dream,” he said.
“Tony wants us to play that way, and I know he’s got a huge pedigree in coaching in this country.
“With Lee Briers and Richard Agar coaching along side him as well, it’s a really good club to be at and we’re hoping for big things this year.”