TEENAGE prodigy Tom Lineham has revealed he was “never going to go anywhere else” after he ended rumours about his future by signing a new York City Knights deal.

As revealed by The Press last week, the 18-year-old flier has agreed to stay at Huntington Stadium next year under new improved terms.

There had been speculation he would seek a move to a higher tier after an eye-catching breakthrough season, and, unsurprisingly, there is a clause in his new contract whereby he would be free to leave if a Super League club came in for him. But, that aside, he was always keen to stay at the Knights.

“I like the club, I like (head coach) Dave Woods and all the players and I did not want to move anywhere. The fans are good and I enjoy playing here,” Lineham told The Press.

“There are other clubs in our league and in the Championship but there’s nothing to make me want to leave. I was always going to stay.”

Lineham, however, did not deny his future top-flight aims, something the club are backing.

“In the future I’d like to make it to Super League,” said the winger, who is rated one of the fastest speed merchants in the Championships and will get the chance to show that speed if selected for the team to compete in Saturday’s Northern Rail 9s in Blackpool.

“They (Knights coaches) have said I can do that. Dave Woods said I switch off at times in games and I need to concentrate 100 per cent. I’m trying to improve and I think I’m getting better every game.”

Lineham has achieved his aim of becoming a regular first-teamer this term, having made two outings last season while learning the game in the reserves, not long after switching from junior rugby union to the 13-a-side code.

His short-term aim now is to add to his nine tries in 16 appearances this year – and help the Knights to promotion through the play-offs. He also wants to win over the supporters – and The Press readers.

He said: “It was my aim from last year. I made two appearances and I wanted to break into the team this year. I had an injury at the start but I hit quite good form, scored a few tries and seem to be keeping my place.

“The team’s aim now is to get into the play-offs and get promotion.

“I just want to continue good form and continue scoring tries and being clinical in attack, not make mistakes in defence, and to help the team.

“I always look at the ratings in The Press and I want to get in the top five or so every week.”