But only for next weekend, according to one Sunday paper he will play for the Barbarians.

He may have signed some deal with Wigan that he can't talk to Union clubs for 3 years, but this is surely putting him in the shop window so they can all have a proper look, and see how he fares at the 15 man code

15 men charging at him instead of 13 while the ball is spiralling in the sky above him......

Haters gonna hate.

confirmed as to playing!

how can this possibly help RL?!

How does it harm it?

This is a way for Sam and Wigan to avoid a salary cap meltdown. Nice bung for Sam playing outside of the Rugby League scope for earnings restrictions. It's also the first step in a long line of delicate negotiations to get Sam into Rugby Union by 2013. If they're paying £400k for his inferior brother then what will they pay Sam? He's gone.

FB or outside centre for the RU Lions tour to Australia 2013.

I'd put money on it...

Too small for full back for me. And defo too small for centre in either code.

England currently lack a flair fly half who can take on the line, this is what I believe they will be looking at Sam for. Charlie Hodgson and Toby Flood simply not good enough. I'd put my mortgage on this is where Sam will be being targeted for in time for next RU world cup which is here and we will be desperate to win it.

Possibly but I think outside centre.

Have a beast of an inside centre to create the space for Sam to work his magic outside.

Well done Wigan and the RFL allowing this to happen! Seriously the RFL should have said to Wigan and Tomkins he is a CONTRACTED League player and as such he should not be promoting other sports or helping to get a Union Contract in 3 or 4 years-as will what happen. The game of RL is run by pillocks like Nigel Wood who seems to think its a good idea.

“I’m sure Sam will be successful on Saturday when he plays his first match in an unfamiliar code because he’s a hugely talented Rugby League player, one of many our sport is producing,” said Wood.“Rugby League has an outstanding track record in developing its own players and is continuing to show union the way ahead. Sam’s inclusion in a sport he knows little about is proof of that. You only have to look at how often union has turned to Rugby League players and coaches over the last 15 years to see the calibre of talent we have in our midst.It’s obvious to even the most casual of observers why union continues to covet Rugby League players whose sheer athleticism and outstanding skills with ball in hand make them extremely attractive to the other code of rugby.Sam’s selection underlines that imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. Both Sam and Rugby League should feel flattered.”

How nieve and pathetic. What the hell is the blue eyed boy of the RFL doing playing in a Union Circus event? How on earth does it help RL? Do you think any top Union player would be allowed to play for the Exiles for example and the RU coming out with such rubbish? Seriously its no wonder the game is looked down upon when you have such idots like Wood running the game.

The game isn't looked down upon, you have to remember it's a miority sport in England and will never be able to compete with RU or Aussies RL for £££s and profile.

Woods is making the point the the sport even though not often thought about down south is actually where the real talents at, don't you think this is good for RL?

I see parents watching junior RU and always passing comment on the dual code players in RU as having better overall skills, so guess what? they go and sign them on with RL in the off season to improve their son's skills. Woods is just cementing this point and it can only attract budding RL and RU stars to the beautiful game that is RL.

Tomkins won't play fly half, hasn't got a good enough boot. Inside centre or full back.