Tincknell: My age doesn't matter
Leeds utility back player James Tincknell says his age doesn't matter ahead of the new Premiership season.
There are worries from a few Leeds fans that the 21-year-old will be bullied around the field by bigger sides over the course of the season. However, Tincknell has rubbished this and says he can't wait to play.
There is also the matter of inexperience when playing a younger player in a top-flight side. However, coaches have been saying for decades that the only way youths are going to learn is if they are thrown in at the deep end and play against opponents who are much better.
He said: "My future is a bit up in the air currently, but it's basically up to me to prove I am good enough to stay here. I just have to work hard and try and impress the coaches - The club are looking at full-back, wing and centre, but I've played most of my rugby at centre. I'm looking to play anywhere to get in the team really."
Tincknell is not a bad player by any means and has a number of attributes that will make him productive in the Leeds first team. He's also doing a lot of off field activities very well, which will put him in a great position to start the season.
Player attributes
Tincknell has tremendous speed over short and long distances. This is why he plays at full-back because it gives him the opportunity to burst up the field in attack when his side are pushing forward. It can also get him out of trouble if a big player is going for him.
He handles and controls the ball very well. This is important because he will often play on the very fringes of a team. This means there will be a touch line to one side of him and he has to pass accurately to make sure he doesn't give away possession or penalties.
He has plenty of ambition and energy. The very second that anyone has questioned Leeds giving him a shot in the first team, he has stepped in and rubbished the question. It's now down to him to prove he's good enough.
Off the field
Off the field Tincknell has been doing all of the small things well. He now appears to be a very big unit, which shows he has been working hard on the weights in order to make sure he does not get pushed around by older and stronger players.
His fitness also looks to be much improved from last season. This will be a combination of cross country running as well as many activities inside the gym but once again it shows the large amount of ambition he has.
He added: "I'm learning lots from the other backs who have more experience than me. I look up to them and look to take lessons from them - It's been a new experience for my at Leeds training everyday and it was hard on the body at first. But I've loved it and hope my hard work will stand me in good stead."
Betting advice
Through his comments you can judge that Tincknell thinks he is playing for his Leeds future. This means he will raise his game when he is given the chance to play in the first team this season. When he does get on, put a bet on him to score at any time because it seems as though he'll do anything to make an impression.
Don't back Leeds to win the title and stick with a match by match system because there are much better sides in the Premiership.
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