Its an interesting question. Depending on what mood I was in he may be my top player or not, but he'd certainly be in the top 5. The thing is that different players offer different qualities.

If it was playground picking, I would probably pick him first, even if he is not the 'best' player, simply because he can do what no other player in the league can do, at a level they can't reach. In the other areas (strength, stamina, organisation) there are other contenders closer to the top.

tomkins was good even when noble was in charge of wigan and we wasn't good then, so the argument he's only good because he plays in a good team doesn't wash for tomkins.

But that wasn't what was said was it? there is no need to get all defensive. Read again what was put.

You hit on exactly why it can be very, very hard to conclusive say who the best player is.

For me, I look at some of the things Tomkins does out of absolutely nothing off tap penalties, loose ball, broken field or just taking on the line when not a lot seems to be on. Granted a defence is always going to behave a little differently when it's been under pressure, but some of those things I don't see in any other player in the league.

I don't see enough of Greg Eden, I've probably seen him play 7 or 8 matches in full and the rest is highlights. Based on what I have seen I wouldn't put him close to the same class as Tomkins. Exciting player, plenty of talent, but not shown me anything that makes me think he's in the top drawer, even at SL level.

I wonder also why his last move was from a top 5-6 club to Hull KR, who will do well to make the 8. I'm sure he'd look better at Wigan, but would he get the same rave reviews as Tomkins gets? Impossible to know for sure but I don't think so. If Tomkins does leave and Wigan go shopping for a replacement, I also doubt Greg Eden will be high up their wish list.

I am known to be wrong though, and it may be that the games I've seen have been off days.

Strange he hasn't gone to Oz, but maybe the offer was too good to turndown. Would have thought if you decide to opt to NRL, the full effect of being in the comp with a team is felt more in OZ and therefore the experience better. He must have his reasons though!

Best of luck to the lad, I hope he is successful and makes some decent money. It's a relatively short career with a good chance of some injuries along the way. Compared with the money some of the buffoons receive in the round ball game the money our top players get is derisory .

What about this clause not talking to or signing for another club for 3 years?

With this and Whitehead's hissy fit I honestly believe that the contracts players sign aren't worth the paper they're written on.

If it exists then Wigan hold those cards - it's up to them how they play them to their supporter base, media and potential suitors.

Its a done deal according to Dean Bell.

That would be me. I didn't see the game but I am really not surprised, the way Wigan run their attack they were going to be the obvious choice.

I'm waiting for Hugh McGahan to confirm/deny.