Hull have lined up ‘significant’ replacement for Lineham

Hull FC coach Lee Radford says the club have an “exciting” signing in the pipeline after star winger Tom Lineham confirmed he is joining Super League rivals Warrington Wolves in a big-money transfer.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Jul 2015, 08:05 BST
Tom Lineham runs in a try for Hull FC against Widnes (Picture: Steve Riding).Tom Lineham runs in a try for Hull FC against Widnes (Picture: Steve Riding).
Tom Lineham runs in a try for Hull FC against Widnes (Picture: Steve Riding).

Lineham will move to Cheshire next season for what Hull say is a £125,000 fee, though Warrington claim they are paying £140,000.

The 22-year-old has scored 44 tries in 59 appearances for Hull since joining them from York City Knights in 2011.

His departure will be a blow for the East Yorkshire club.

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However, Radford insisted: “Our recruitment and retention work is ongoing and we are in advance discussions with a number of parties, which is very exciting for us.

“We’re looking at players of significant quality that we feel will improve our side in key areas.”

Warrington coach Tony Smith described Lineham as an “outstanding talent”.

He said: “Tom’s try-scoring speaks for itself and he is a player I have greatly admired for years since he came on the scene.

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“His size and speed are also greatly suited to the wing position in rugby league.”

Lineham said: “The circumstances are right for me to make the move so I’ll be looking forward to finishing the season on a high at Hull and hit the ground running when I join up with my new team mates for pre-season.

“It is a new chapter in my life.”

Hull have retained former Bradford Bulls utility-back Curtis Naughton, who joined them from Australian club Sydney Roosters at the start of this season and scored four tries in his first five appearances.

They have taken up an option to extend the 20-year-old’s contract to the end of next season and have also offered him a longer-term deal beyond that.

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Meanwhile, Castleford 
Tigers’ 19-year-old half-back or hooker Tom Holmes has agreed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of next season.

Warrington forward Ben Westwood will miss Sunday’s Super League trip to Huddersfield through suspension.

Featherstone forward Paul Wood has lost his appeal against a five-match ban imposed for gouging. The prop was sent off against Leigh and found guilty of the grade E offence.

Leigh have signed France international three-quarter Mathias Pala from Catalans Dragons.

Related topics:HullWarrington WolvesSuper LeagueTONY SMITH