Sam is an unbelievable player, as a Cas fan i would love nothing more than for Rangi Chase to be MOS, just for the recognition that we at least have players capable of being up there as the most consistent player in the league.

To me its between Tomkins, Chase and Roby and i would be happy with any of them getting it, from an English view it would be good for Tomkins or Roby to get the accolade and prove our game isn't dominated by the Australian/New Zealand contingency over here.

Completely agree, have never and will never advocate intentionally injuring another player. Sam Tomkins will continue to get the odd late shoulder and people will try and hit him a bit harder in the tackle. That's more or less fair, in as far as that it has happened to creative half backs since the very dawn of time (when druids worshipped at a place called Stone Henge). He is also in possession of the kind of side-step that will occasionally result in high tackles of the 'reach-and-grab' variety by lumbering, wrong-footed forwards, who will be duly penalised.

Part of being a top RL half-back is the ability to take those knocks, and avoid them where you can. Tomkins has so far proved to be considerably more physically robust than he looks.

If he (or anyone else) is getting anything more sinister than that, the disciplinary will need to deal with it appropriately.

He may well get himself chinned by somebody at some point, which is not the same as thinking he "deserves" it, and the culprit will duly be banned for a game or 2. Tomkins is no doubt quite capable of looking after himself.

I am fairly sure that the reason he does the wind-up stuff is a dim awareness that angry brains don't make good decisions, and as somebody who thrives on any kind of dis-order in defensive lines, that can only be to his advantage.

That was a long post wasn't it? Oops.

I didn't see Hanley play live at the age Sam is now, so it's difficult for me to compare players at different stages in their career.

I did see the young Jason Robinson emerge onto the RL scene, who in terms of match winning ability and natural talent was the only British player I've seen who at his peak approached Hanley.

Robinson was such an exciting player to watch, but I think Sam is a better player. Defences and fitness levels now are better than they were in the early 90s, and there are hardly any players around now who are genuine match winners. Tomkins is such a standout player in SL it is untrue.

I'd be interested to hear from people that did see the young Hanley develop as a player, but my guess would be that Sam is near or on a par with him. The fantastic thing about Sam though is that he is not yet at his peak. He was sensational last season, but has been even better this season and he is still improving, learning and developing.

He's a great player already IMO but it's not clear where his limits are, we will find out over the next few years (injuries permitting) just how great a player he can go on to be. If the reality is scary for the rest of SL, his potential must be terrifying, it's no wonder the anti-Wigan hate mob has been in full cry this season. For Wigan fans though, whatever happens this season, this is a golden moment in time even in the great history of our club - champions, an extraordinary coach, a captain whose grit, dedication and loyalty to the club are now being rewarded and a sensational young player who looks like he could well become one of the all time greats of RL. Even for someone who saw the great sides of the early 90s, this is a special time.

While I'm leery of proclaiming Sam an RL great at this stage of his career, I think if we were to lose him to Union it would be a genuine catastrophe for the game - much more so than any of the others losses were.

Sam is far and away the most exciting 'back' talent to emerge in the British game for many years. The likes of Chris Ashton and Ian Thornley could only dream about being as good as this kid. If we were to lose him to another sport, it would be proof positive that British RL either lacks the will or the ability to protect its crown jewels and therefore might as well stop unearthing them.

At present things are fine, but the worry will come when Sam's next contract is up for negotiation. I sincerely hope that by then some kind of deal will have been agreed enabling UK clubs to spend more cash on our top talent, because I reckon his agent will ask telephone numbers.

I stick by this.

Balance of Henry Paul, toughness of Shaun Edwards and the ability to read the game like Garry Scholfield.

One special once in a decade player. A pleasure to watch.

Cant wait to see him skipping around Wembley