Tincknell formerly played cricket for Durham's academy

Leeds Carnegie's James Tincknell can develop into a top Premiership player according to his former chairman of rugby Michael Harrison.

The 21-year-old winger has joined Leeds on a short-term deal from National League One side Wharfedale.

"He is a very good and promising player. He is exciting and a big boy," Harrison told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I think he can go all the way and become a top player and he is in a great place to achieve that now."

Leeds beat off competition from a number of other Premiership clubs for the 6'4" winger's signature after he scored 15 tires in just 19 games for Wharfedale last season.

"We are hoping to get James back on loan here but of course that goes on a game-by-game situation and will depend how well he does for Leeds," explained Harrison.

"If he does really well then he won't be back on loan because he'll be playing at as higher level as he can for Leeds. He can also play centre, is an exciting runner and talented player.

"The important thing is now he has the opportunity to succeed at a place where he is near home and also near Wharfedale. We are really pleased for him and wish him well.

Wharfedale themselves are busily building towards next season and will be hoping new head coach Tommy McGee will help them to improve on last season's excellent sixth place finish.

The prop left Leeds Carnegie at the end of the season and takes over the part-time role from former Leeds team-mate Jason Strange, who has returned to Wales and will also help coach in Bristol's academy next season.

This will be McGee's first head coach role, but Harrison has no concerns about the lack of experience at coaching at such a high level.

"I have no worries about that at all. We've experienced this before when we brought James Tiffany in three years ago. He was untried but was a tremendous success.

"There were one or two other club after him so we are pleased to have him onboard. He fitted the bill and brings a lot of good things to the club."

Last season Wharfedale gave promising youngster Joe Ford his first taste of senior rugby after being loaned to them by Leeds.

Ford then went on to return to Leeds and become their second choice fly-half before signing for Northampton Saints for next season.

"We will possibly take the odd one or two from Leeds' academy for next season.

"However we base most of our side on tested Wharfedale players. We are more of a community club that way.

"We don't go down the line of say Otley who rely heavily on Leeds' providing players.

"That is healthily and good because you have good young players coming in all the time, but then you don't know one year to the next who you are going to get in.

"But with Tommy now onboard and with his connections at Leeds then yes, we may see one or two come here for next season."

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