The thing I like about Tomkins is that he mixes it up, sometimes passes, sometimes takes the line on to keep the defence guessing.

I assume he took the OP girlfriend.

I don't know about that, I think Ryan Hall may win it, 22 I think he is, don't know if that's too old mind to get the award.

Theres no pleasing some people.
We have pages and pages of people complaining about Tim Smith not taking on the line, but when Sam does, he gets called greedy!

Ryan Hall has hardly took the season by storm has he? Might be top try scorer but most of them have been walk ins and its much harder to play 6 than wing so come off it!

it's not being greedy and tomkins is not alone,the problem is young players in pivotal positions try to do it all on their own sometimes,this does not help the team much but they are desperate to prove themselves to the more experienced players.
all young men are headstrong and can let the moment affect their better judgement but your lad has a good future in the game as he matures.
the classic example of this type of desperation, greedy play was eastmond for saints in their cc semi,if he'd have moved the ball out instead of going alone in the second half all the time then we would probably be playing saints at wembley.
don't be too hard on him,he would be a welcome addition to any super league side.

Its still going

Not read the whole of this thread; but I'm pretty sure if he'd have scored in the incident mentioned, he'd be 'world-class' etc. Be patient.

You can look at this from both perspectives.

Positives

Show's he isn't scared to go himself and back his own ability

He has the talent/speed/agility to break through a gap, so why not go for it if he thinks it's on?

Negatives

Wrong option sometimes - maybe over-confidence or just a lack of experience (the latter being the most probable)

Lack of ball-running support from team-mates ie. His team-mates aren't in the right position for him because they're either too quick/too slow giving ST little option but to go himself.

Quick movement of the defensive line - of the ABC defenders move up quickly on ST more often than not it gives the ball-player a lesser time-frame to get the ball to wear it should/needs to be going. So a problem that the attacking line aren't deep enough?

I could/we could analyze this Phil Clarke style til the cows came home but simple fact is - the more ST plays SL, the more he'll see the better options.

The way Sam has played this year is with his heart, sometimes yeah he can be greedy but at the end of the day, Id much rather see a Wigan lad whos playing for their shirt so he can walk round town on a Saturday afternoon with his head high instead of an Aussie who will be out on the drink win lose or draw.

Experience will come - dont forget Sam wasnt even a regular starter until Smith broke his arm, so he is even only finding his feet now.

i agree, hes not that young smith was the same age when he broke through in the nrl, and he isnt a greedy player, yes ok smith and tomkins are different players, but there are times this season when gleeson or carmont or even joel have been in acres of space yet sam decided to go in his own. people might think he is the nex shaun edwards, but shaun edwards wasnt that greedy, i think we need a new 6 to bring sam on, have a go at me now but i think it will work a treat in the long run

some of you are never satisfied,sam is a good player and will become a GREAT player.
look at his stats in rugby mags or in wigan observer and tell me which other wigan player has been as good this year
i think he should get more of the ball and be allowed to run the game for wigan because hes well capable of doing that.i would sooner sam pick up at play the ball than piggy he makes five yard before piggy has bent down

My only main gripe with him is that at times he will pass to his brother when there was a much better option on. However, I believe that this is just down to his inexperience and will improve with time. I still believe he is one of, if not the most, exciting players in SL at the mo and I think we're lucky to have him for at least the next five years.

For christs sakes, would some people please read what they are typing.

nobody's denying he's a good player, read what people are saying.

and what the hell? why are you comparing riddell and sam? not reet some people on here.

i think youve hit the nail on the head paul , "when sam has a bad game" because ive not seen him have one yet and people are moaning about him.
another 8 in wigan observer.how many tries have we scored when hes made a half break and upset the defensive line,i suggest you watch him closer