Tom Whitehead, a 21-year-old rugby league player from Springhead, has been garnering attention in the professional rugby league sphere. Hailing from Saddleworth and a product of the successful junior system at Saddleworth Rangers, Whitehead has captured the admiration of none other than the renowned figure in the world of rugby league, Sam Burgess.
Presently plying his trade for the first team at Super League side Warrington Wolves, which is under the tutelage of the esteemed dual-code England international Sam Burgess, Whitehead’s prowess has earned plaudits from the former player. Renowned for his versatility on the field, Whitehead has left an impression on Burgess with his capacity to excel in both stand-off and loose forward positions.
In drawing parallels between Whitehead and another exceptional talent from Saddleworth, Mark Flanagan, Burgess spoke highly of the young player’s abilities. He demonstrated his confidence in Whitehead’s capabilities, affirming, “Tom can play anywhere really. He’s a valuable asset. He can put any play on against our first team when we’re preparing, and I trust him to do a job when he’s needed.”
Emphasising the significance of versatile players in the sport, Burgess underscored the value of having individuals who can cover multiple positions. He underscored that with the prevailing rules and regulations, possessing players like Whitehead who can adapt to different roles is of immense importance for the team.
An alumnus of Friezland Primary and Saddleworth School, Tom Whitehead made his senior Warrington debut in 2022. Despite being relatively new to the professional scene, Burgess commended Whitehead for his composure and adaptability on the field, stating, “He won’t get distracted, he’s a really intelligent bloke. I thought he took his chance at London really well.”
Burgess also extolled Whitehead’s work ethic, applauding his seamless transition between different positions without any fuss. According to Burgess, Whitehead’s readiness to simply ‘get on with the job’ without creating any unnecessary disruptions bears testimony to his professionalism and dedication to the sport.
As Whitehead continues to etch his name in the annals of rugby league, the high praise from a figure as esteemed as Sam Burgess stands as testament to the young player’s potential and talent. With his notable versatility and unwavering focus, there is no doubt that Tom Whitehead is destined for an exciting and successful career in professional rugby league.