New Wakefield Trinity signing Tom Lineham says 'I think I'm why coach Steve Price left Warrington Wolves'

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Wakefield Trinity signing Tom Lineham reckons he is the real reason Warrington Wolves have a new coach.

Lineham, known as one of Betfred Super League’s most colourful characters and prolific wing men, joined Trinity on a three-year deal after his Wolves contract expired at the end of last season.

“In pre-season last year I told the conditioners I was going to leave at the end of the year, so they should enjoy me,” he remarked.

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“Then Steve made his announcement he was leaving soon after. I reckon the reason he moved on was because I was leaving!”

New signing Tom Lineham during Trinity's training session on the artificial pitch at Dewsbury today (Thursday). Picture by Tony Johnson.New signing Tom Lineham during Trinity's training session on the artificial pitch at Dewsbury today (Thursday). Picture by Tony Johnson.
New signing Tom Lineham during Trinity's training session on the artificial pitch at Dewsbury today (Thursday). Picture by Tony Johnson.

That might be a stretch, but Lineham is certainly a quality addition to Trinity’s squad.

Now 29, he began his rugby league career with York City Knights in 2009 and had a stint at Hull, crossing 54 times in 68 appearances, before joining Warrington six years ago.

His 131 games there yielded 81 tries and helped Warrington - who have appointed Daryl Powell as their new coach - to a league leaders’ shield, Challenge Cup win in 2019 and two Grand Final appearances.

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Of why he decided to join Trinity, Lineham explained: “My plan was to stay at Warrington for four years.

Trinity trained on the 3g pitch at Dewsbury Rams today (Thursday). Reece Lyne, left, limbers up as coach Willie Poching watches on. Picture by Tony Johnson.Trinity trained on the 3g pitch at Dewsbury Rams today (Thursday). Reece Lyne, left, limbers up as coach Willie Poching watches on. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Trinity trained on the 3g pitch at Dewsbury Rams today (Thursday). Reece Lyne, left, limbers up as coach Willie Poching watches on. Picture by Tony Johnson.

“I did four years at Hull, but I broke my rule because I had a great relationship with Steve Price and the other two coaches, Lee Briers and Andy Henderson.

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“I had a lot of good friends there, it was a very enjoyable working environment and I broke my rule to stay extra, but then with the coaches leaving and everything being a bit up in the air, it [signing for Trinity] was the best option.

“I spoke to a couple of clubs and to [then-Trinity coach] Chris Chester and it was the right move for me, long-term as well.”

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Trinity players warm-up before training at Dewsbury today (Thursday). Picture by Tony Johnson.Trinity players warm-up before training at Dewsbury today (Thursday). Picture by Tony Johnson.
Trinity players warm-up before training at Dewsbury today (Thursday). Picture by Tony Johnson.

Lineham’s Trinity contract, which runs until the end of 2024, was announced last August, a week after Chester was sacked.

Willie Poching took over as interim-boss before being appointed on a permanent basis at the end of the season and Lineham said: “He’s a really nice bloke.

“I always enjoy working with new coaches, I think everyone you work with, you are always learning off.

“He is very easy to get on with, very friendly and I’ve enjoyed the first month with him.

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“Hopefully it can be a very prosperous working relationship and we can do some good things.”

There is less weight of expectation at Wakefield, but Lineham remains ambitious to win trophies.

“You don’t know, with any club,” he said of Trinity’s prospects for 2022.

“Whenever I’ve played against Wakefield, it is always a really tough place to go.

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