I have a theory on Tomkins. As far as we believe he is off to NZ at the end of the season and we don't have a replacement. This means one of the current squad has to play FB next year. You can put forward a case as to who you prefer, it seems Hampshire is the chosen one. If he is to play as first choice next year he needs game time this year. It wouldn't surprise me if Sam only plays the CC final and any play off games, ie the only ones that really matter to give Hampshire as much game time as possible.

Nail on head, nail right on the head.

Tomkins isn't being wrapped in cotton wool, he's being rested to give next years 'cheap' replacement a few games. They had Tomkins tied to a 5 year deal which in truth was a 3 year deal but they're not even putting up a fight to keep him to that. They're happy to cash in whilst they can without even having a proper replacement tied up.

It's simply not fair on Hampshire IMO who's a young halfback being asked to try and replace one of our all time greats in the team but at fullback.

Maybe you have a point.

But also due to the fact that Sam produces the goods DESPITE the half backs, not on account of them.

Hampshire cannot do that.

And how can we expect him to considering he's a halfback.

He looks a creative 6 or 7 to me not a running fullback in the mould of Tomkins.

I'm not blaming the kid.

Nobody could IMO. He's done as good a job as he could be expected to IMO and looks a real talent.

He's being dealt a raw hand though IMO.

The reason Tomkins isnt playing is because we now have a very small chance of getting Anthony Minichello to replace Sam next year.
There is no other option at the minute than Hampshire or Tierney. Waney keeps playing Hampshire because he obviously thinks he has the biggest potential to replace Sam at FB. The thing is Wanes doing this at the wrong time in the season.

Is this an opinion or a fact? Just playing Devils advocate cuz I don't know?
Hampshire has done far better since coming in than any of us could have realistically expected.

Its my opinion on what i think Mr Wane is doing. But its fact that we do have a small chance of signing Anthony Minichello to replace Tomkins.

If this theory is true then it's just a complate disgrace, players come and go all the time, just because he is leaving doesnt mean we should rest him for the none important games. I pay to see our best available 17. I want to see Sam play for Wigan as many times possible, we had a good chance of winning all three available trophies this year, something no other team has ever done. Now the team confidence looks shot to bits and I wouldn't back us to win any. If we need to get Hampshire experience to replace Sam why not bring him on off the bench? Why not look elsewhere for a short term replacement until Hampshire is ready?

The club have handled this situation in completely the wrong way from start to finish.

But at the beginning of the season Sam wasn't going anywhere. What's Wane supposed to do? Pick Hampshire in every other game just in case someone makes an offer for Sam? Give the bloke a break. Look at the players we have lost from last year. Carmont, Leuluai, Finch, Prescott, Hock, and Lima. Add to that Fielden and Roberts (okay they didn't play much). That is a lot of quality and experience. I can honestly say imo we have done better than i expected.

RE: Minicello (sp) I think he has recently signed a new contract with the roosters, even if he isn't guaranteed a start... Apologies if i'm mistaken

Wasnt Wane quoted at the start of the season saying he is preparing for the future when Tomkins does leave? I might be wrong but im pretty sure there was an article on Sky or something similar.

Three trophies in the one season something no team has ever done. What about 2006 ?