Quote Aboveusonlypie="Aboveusonlypie"I'd be interested to know who you rate as a better full back by the way?'"
Rather than select someone from another club, which will just get us into a piissing contest, let's keep this to former Wigan players.
For me, Wigan have always had excellent players at the back. Steve Hampson, for example, was as tough as they come. I always admired Gary Connolly for his running skills and his ability to keep players out when close to the line, and then Kris Radlinksi was one of the most dynamic players of his generation. All had the necessary attributes to be a top quality full back.
1. They could catch a high ball, under pressure.
2. They were awesome tacklers.
3. They all had brilliant positional sense.
4. They were strong, fast open play runners.
I believe that Tomkins, - and believe me when I say I do admire him as a player - lacks the first 3.
Is he a great rugby league player? - yes.
Would I have him somewhere in my team? - yes.
Is he a great full back? - no.
It's nothing personal towards Tomkins, just my opinion after 30 years of watching the game.