That's a good piece.

Just emphasises how much of an attraction Union must be because of it's international programme.

DON'T DO IT SAM!!!!!!!

This is why IL's musings about giving his players 2 years in the NRL as part of their contract with Wigan must become a reality. Losing players for good to a different sport or for 2 years when they could come back as a better player is a no-brainer.

Sam wants his own flag:

True, and the chances of international RL ever catching up are zero. In 8 years time, he'd still be playing to crowds of 25,000 at Headingley and being booed by a group of kn0bheads in the south stand.

He expresses some frustration that RL players like himself don't have any significant media profile and the level of recognition they deserve as sportsmen. I think for our top tier of players, that is the main attraction of the other code.

"Watching Tomkins play rugby right now is as exciting as anything in sport. A young player in only his second full season in the game, the Wigan full-back is perhaps destined for the brighter lights of rugby union one day."
Typical Southern bias. There's nothing bright about Rugby Union.

let's just enjoy him whilst he's here for the foreseeable future, and have these threads when he's actually decided to move on eh?



what about that stade francias pink kit?

Loved his quote about some footballers like Joey Barton taking acting lessons.

Good interview from him and again he comes across as pretty humble and respectful.

lets not forget, its the day before the CC Final of which wigan are part of. its all media and coverage. nothing more.

at the end of the day for now he's a wiganer through and through and thats all that matters and he will be with us next year and the year after etc if he sees his contract. after that, who could blame him. a rugby league career isn't big money like union is and i'd consider doing the same if i wa in his or any other league players' shoes.

but again, its all media hype before the big game tomorrow

This

Some one said on here he'd never go to NRL or Union for homesick reasons and summat else for union, but if i were him, when the time is right, i would go for it. Can't be blamed, it's a shame for our game, but nobody can blame the players.

If some one offered me double or tripple to do the same job i am doing now (pretty much) i wouldn't think twice and nobody on here would.

Just hope if and when it happens he conducts himself in a better light than eastmond did, and respect the game that made him.="

at the end of the day for now he's a wiganer through and through and thats all that matters and he will be with us next year and the year after etc if he sees his contract. after that, who could blame him. a rugby league career isn't big money like union is and i'd consider doing the same if i wa in his or any other league players' shoes.'"

He probably had to say that to get in the Mail.

And I love this bit - It’s so much bigger than rugby league and I can’t see a valid reason for that. Just to watch the game itself there is no reason why it should be.