Tincknell eager to prove himself at Leeds Carnegie

Tincknell toured Canada with England Counties this summer

Leeds Carnegie utility back James Tincknell is determined to prove he is good enough for the first-team squad.

The 21-year-old, who only took up rugby two years ago, is aiming to feature in the Premiership this season after moving from Wharfedale in the summer.

Tincknell told BBC Radio Leeds: "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."

Tincknell has featured in both of Leeds' pre-season games so far, starting at full-back against Agen in France and at outside centre at home to Ospreys.

He will revert back to 15 for Friday night's friendly at Championship outfit Doncaster Knights.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I'm determined to work as hard as I can and take my chance," explained Tincknell.

"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.

"I think I've been tried at full-back because of my cricket background. I'm used to taking high balls and then trying to get in more space and making the most of that.

"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.

Tincknell's appearance in the Leeds first team during pre-season marks an incredible rise for the youngster.

A highly-rated cricketer, he left Durham's academy to turn his hand to rugby.

Last season he scored 15 tries in just 19 starts for National League One side Wharfedale, which caught the eye of the Leeds' coaching staff and lead to his short-term deal at Headingley.

"It has been an amazing few years and I certainly couldn't predicted it. I'm just grateful to get this opportunity and hope I can take it.

"Wharfedale was great. It's a great club. They made me very welcome there even though I had little experience in the game and had come up form the lower levels.

"That was a great time for me and I went from strength to strength there.

"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.

"This experience has reaffirmed that I want to make rugby my career and it's a dream job for me.

"It I can make it as a professional rugby player then I certainly want to pursue it."