Thornley played rugby league for England Under-18s

Sale Sharks' rugby league convert Iain Thornley says he is beginning to pick up the nuances of rugby union after his switch of codes.

The 18-year-old joined from Wigan Warriors in the summer signing a three-year deal at Edgeley Park.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "I thought I'd be playing in the Jets until I got the hang of it.

"I've had a chance in two LV= Cup games so I can't complain with that and I'm absolutely over the moon with it."

He added: "I think I've been here touching four weeks now and but thanks to everyone here they've progressed me and trying to give me that shot as soon as possible."

Thornley stands at six feet four inches tall and weighs over 15 stone and was reportedly chased by a number of union and league sides, including clubs in Australia.

The teenager is an admirer of ex-Wigan and now England rugby union star Chris Ashton and admits he would like to emulate his achievements.

"Chris has done fantastic since he converted to rugby union but it's looking at someone like that and how he picked things up and made the transition and follow in his footsteps," he said.

"There's going to be highs and lows but it's going to be how I deal with the lows as to how far and well you go in the sport."

Asked about the difficulty in switching rugby codes Thornley replied: "Attacking wise there is very similar things but it's mainly the defensive positions I'd say where it's a lot different.

"It's mainly in the ruck which is a whole new technique that I've had to learn with body position and in the tackle.

"It's when the tackle goes to the floor in rugby union that's where it start whereas in rugby league that was the end so that was the transition I had to pick up and learn pretty quickly."

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