Tom Gledhill back after 5 year injury spell

Shaw Cross Sharks forward Tom Gledhill has made his return to rugby league after a series of injuries had him side-lined for five years.

Gledhill has undergone six operations since he last played, including three operations on his kneecap that had been shattered into 16 pieces and required the three operations to have his kneecap wired back together. The forward also had two operations on his fingers and a shoulder reconstruction.

After a difficult five years Gledhill is grateful to finally be back playing rugby after what has been a long stint on the side-lines.

He said: “It’s good to be back, I need to work on the engine, my fitness isn’t what I want it to be. At only 25 the injuries have been rough but it is good to be back and hopefully I can just keep fit now.”

Gledhill returned to the first team, after playing one game for Shaw Cross ‘A’, and scored the final try in Sharks 44-10 win over Millom two weeks ago.

Gledhill joins the Shaw Cross ranks alongside his younger brothers Will and Jack, making it the first time that three brothers have played in the same side at the Sharks.

Will and Jack have been featured regularly in the Shaw Cross team in recent months and Tom hails their influence in helping him return.

He said: “It was my two brothers that made me come back. It’s great to be playing alongside family and I think it is only the first time three brothers have played together for Shaw Cross. It’s good to be back with them as we have never played together before and I’m really enjoying it so far.”

Since Gledhill’s return to the Dewsbury based club Sharks have won two games from two and Gledhill hopes that may continue as the team travel to East Leeds on Saturday.

He said: “It’s nice to be back with a good club. I'm glad to have the two wins so far especially to beat Featherstone as they were one of the toughest in our run in.

We have got East Leeds this week which is going to be a tough test but it’s nice to know we are pretty much safe now. It’s good to get two wins on the bounce and looking forward to try and see out the rest of the season unbeaten.”

Gledhill will want his good form since his return to continue as the Shaw Cross Sharks look to seal their National Conference League Division 1 status this Saturday. A win over East Leeds would push the Sharks far enough away from their relegation rivals to confirm their survival.