Liam Colbon

Early career

Colbon played for Orrell St. James and Hindley ARLFC before joining Wigan. He attended St Peter's Catholic High School. He spent several season in Wigan's academy setup before making his first team début after coming on as a substitute in Terry O'Connor's testimonial match against London Broncos in November 2003. He made his competitive first team full début again starting as a substitute against Widnes in 2004's Super League IX Round 10 after impressing in the Academy U21s. Liam make 4 more appearances for Wigan during 2004 against; Wakefield Trinity twice, Hull F.C. and Widnes again when he was in the starting 13 for the first time for Wigan.

Wigan career

Colbon was a substitute in two pre-season friendlies in 2005 one against Salford and the other against London Broncos. Liam made his first start of 2005 in Wigan's 18–16 loss to Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue in which he set up a try for David Vaealiki. His next appearance was an impressive performance against Hull when he scored his first try for Wigan. Liam came on as a substitute and scored a 90-metre interception try and later made a try saving tackle to help Wigan win the game 21–15. Liam was to make 5 more appearance for Wigan against; Huddersfield, Leeds, Bradford, Warrington and St. Helens. By the end of 2005 he had made 9 appearances and scoring 2 tries.

During 2006, Colbon only made one appearance during a pre-season friendly against Leigh however this could be due to Wigan having a poor season and spending most of it fighting against relegation. Wigan sacked head coach Ian Millward and replaced him with Brian Noble who used more experienced players in his squad such as Nathan McAvoy rather than academy players. Liam continued to make appearances in the Senior Academy whilst continuing his education as he studied for a degree in Sports Studies at Edge Hill University.

In 2007, Colbon finished his university qualification gaining his degree and took part in a Parachute Regiment training scheme which he completed and was awarded his beret. He started the season in the senior academy but he impressed head coach Brian Noble and the after departure of Chris Ashton he was given a first team opportunity in July against Bradford. Afterwards he featured regularly in the Wigan first team scoring 6 tries in 13 starts and was rewarded with a new one-year contract for 2008. Speaking at the time he said "I'm glad it's all been sorted. I always wanted to stay here, it's a great club and there is a great spirit in the team". He was given the number 14 shirt for the 2008 season.

Despite being picked ahead of teammate Mark Calderwood for most of the season and making twenty three starts he was not offered a new contract by Wigan and was allowed to leave. Hull Kingston Rovers announced that they had signed Colbon and he was given the squad number five for the 2009 season.

Hull KR career

He made his début in a 13–13 draw away to Bradford. Colbon's first try came in a 31–18 home victory over Wakefield Trinity. Hull Kingston Rovers fans recognised the work that Colbon gets through in defence and the metres gained in attack. He only scored 9 tries in 2009 but scored 6 in 2010. He had a stunning start to the season, scoring 5 tries by round 7, during round 4 against St. Helens he scored a hat trick which crucially helped them win 28–24. In his final season, he made 13 appearances scoring 6 tries.

Hull FC career

As of the 2014 season, Colbon is currently dual registered with Hull FC and Doncaster Rovers. On 19 February 2014, it was announced that he had signed a 1-year contract with Hull F.C.. Currently, he has made 8 appearances for Hull F.C. as a winger. He has started games regularly since the injury of Super League Dream Team winger Tom Lineham.

Between Colbon finishing up at the London Broncos and signing a new deal with Hull FC, he qualified as a Master running Coach. Liam has continued his learning and education around training and playing rugby to kick start his business Y3K Sport. His vision is to create the next generation of athletes by teaching correct movement systems, central nervous system training and running techniques.

Liam is qualified in the following:

Sports Studies BSC; Personal Trainer level 2 & 3; Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS); NASM Golf Movement Specialist; Master Running Coach

Career statistics

(For 2014 Super League season highlights, stats and results click on 2014 Super League season results)