I would say he still holds the same value over here as the time he left.

Only 2 years.26, in his prime, and although not setting the NRL alight, he hasn't disgraced himself.

I agree, but if he is truly home-sick why wait another 7 months to scurry back home ?

Same thing happened with Harris where Leeds apparently had first refusal. However, Harris had the balls to tell Leeds where to go and signed for Bradford, whereas Tomkins will quite happily to let Wigan dictate his future and go back there to a hero's welcome.

Bath? He is better off signing for Sale because then at least he can be in the North West and won't end up being homesick if he's based in the South of England.

"Harris had the balls to tell Leeds where to go" that's not quite how it panned out...

Yeah that worked out well for Bradford didn't it in the long run.

“We’ve got the first option,” said Lenagan. “If it gets to the point where he is available it is in our hands. And I’ll be delighted if that was the case.”

Surely all that means is that Wigan get to table their bid first? If Tomkins, for what ever reason, doesn't want to go to Wigan, or wants to listen to other offers, then Wigan can't make him sign for them, can they?

I believe the 'first option' means that Wigan get to give their offer first, and I presume it means that if Wigan match the highest offer, he's theirs.

Link to the article announcing his departure (if I have done it right)

rlhttps://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id


Taken from the link above.

Quote: We are extremely disappointed to be losing a player of Sam's talent and ability, but Sam's determination that now is the time for him to be taking up the personal challenge of playing in the NRL, is the driver of this deal at this time.

"As part of the agreement by Wigan to release the England International to take up this challenge in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors, it is agreed that Wigan will have first option to re-sign him at a defined salary when and if the player chooses to return to Super League.

Speaking about the agreement with New Zealand Warriors, Wigan Owner and Chairman Ian Lenagan said;

"We are extremely disappointed to be losing a player of Sam's talent and ability, but Sam's determination that now is the time for him to be taking up the personal challenge of playing in the NRL, is the driver of this deal at this time.

"When we realised that Sam was not able to be persuaded to stay a further year at Wigan - having won 2 Challenge Cups, 2 League Leaders Shields and 1 Grand Final, with the chance shortly of that being 2, together with Man-of-Steel and Junior Player of the Year Awards - we have had an open dialogue with him about New Zealand Warriors and other NRL clubs' interest in him. This agreement between the two Clubs was signed 10 days ago and sees Sam returning to Wigan if he ever returns to Super League. '"

I would imagine it forms more of a starting point for negotiation rather than a set in stone contract to sign or not sign but the expectation would be that he would negotiate with Wigan and accept or decline their offer(s) prior to speaking to other clubs. The use of the words "returns to Super League" provides the main area for doubt as to his destination as it is not clear whether or not the clause also prevents him speaking to RU clubs before Wigan.

This return of the prodigal son could mean the end of the road for Matthew Bowen.

BIT SLOW ON THE UPTAKE.... MANGO IS OOC THIS YEAR

But the return of Samuel Tomkins means that Mango probably won't get a new contract offer from Wigan as maybe he was hoping.

He wasn't getting that either way.

Can't even get a game at the minute.

maybe Leigh could interest him? near home, seemingly a club on the rise and seemingly plenty of brass to chuck around.