Biography:

Tommy is perhaps a new breed of Leigh hero.

At a time of uncertainty following the departure of Tony Benson, Grundy was one of the first players to publicly decry some of the rumours flying around the town and in the media.

Youth, hunger and determination are three words that describe Tommy in a nutshell.

A local lad, Grundy was signed by Warrington at an early age and quickly became a regular in their Academy sides before earning a call-up to their first team to face New Zealand A' in 2003, one of the last first team games to take place at Wilderspool.

His form that season had been monitored by the Centurions and Tommy came home for 2004. Tommy's consistency helped the Leigh to a winning Senior Academy Grand Final against Featherstone. Playing mainly in the second row, Grundy gave his all and it was a surprise to many when he was released from Hilton Park.

With a new club in Blackpool rising from the ashes of Chorley, Grundy accepted a twelve month contract and the opportunity of top grade rugby.

Those twelve months with the Panthers proved somewhat turbulent with Mark Lee, then former Leigh players Kevin Ashcroft, Willie Swann and Liam Bretherton all taking the coaching reigns through the season.

In spite of the obvious changes and a total of 37 players used to try and find a winning combination, Grundy made eleven appearances and scored two tries for a side that gave several others a run for their money.

Both touchdowns came in Blackpool's outstanding 41-20 win over play-off chasing Gateshead, a day when everything clicked into place sadly played before one of the Panthers lowest attendances of the season.

With that season playing almost exclusively in the centres Tommy returned to Leigh and was handed his first team opportunity, in the Centurions threequarter line. His form over the first three months of the season was superb with the most impressive performance at Widnes in the Northern Rail Cup Quarter Final.

Playing loose-forward in the absence of Robert Roberts, Grundy notched some of the most impressive stats of any Leigh player last season, taking the ball in 21 times and making 37 tackles.

Unfortunately Tommy injured a shoulder and the resulting operation led to a five month lay-off. Typically Grundy fought his way back into first team contention and his efforts were rewarded with a try against Oldham in a 52-12 win and a new contract.

Like several players, Tommy will be seeking more game time this season and a change of luck on the injury front.