Lineham rewarded with new Hull contract

Hull winger Tom Lineham has been rewarded for a fine start to the season with a new four-year contract extension.

Lineham, 21, scored a hat-trick in the 52-0 win over Castleford last weekend, taking his total to four in three appearances in Super League this season.

The former York youngster, who has also featured for the City Knights on dual-registration this season, only joined the first team squad on a full-time basis midway through last season.

Head Coach Peter Gentle said: “There is no doubting Tom’s obvious talent and he has done tremendously to get to this point, mainly through his work ethic and application, which is second to none.

“He has a lot to learn and understand if he is to maximise his potential but we believe he can do that given time and that’s why we have offered him a long-term deal.”

Lineham is now under contract at the KC Stadium until the end of 2017, having become a fans’ favourite since making his debut against Hull KR last July.

He was originally spotted playing rugby union for York, and previously finished third in Rugby League’s Fastest Man sprint contest.

Lineham said: “I’m very pleased to be offered a new contract and I can just focus on improving as much as possible now.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here so far, it’s gone really quickly but Hull are an ambitious club with a very ambitious owner and good management and staff.

“The fans are very passionate too so it’s the place I wanted to stay and a club I wanted to commit my future to. I didn’t think twice about moving on, I just wanted to stay here and I’m looking forward to the next four years.”