I am saying there is a going rate for Sam Tomkins. If that is the same or more than when he was at his peak then that just reflects the market for players today. The dearth of talent available to SL will put the value of the few class players knocking about in SL up even if they are no longer at their peak when they can play as well as Sam T still can.

I’d have Henry Paul as a close second.

I agree regarding attack/defence play, and maybe this is a discussion for another time, but a fullback as a supporting runner who can’t beat a man has never floated my boat. The game has changed a lot over the years and I really like the thought of a ball player at 1.

I know it seems almost certain that Hardaker will be the replacement, but would it not be worth looking for a marquee 7 instead? I feel like overall I'd prefer:

1. Escare 7. Marquee 9. Leuluai 14. Powell (coming on at hooker)

to

1. Hardaker 7. Powell 9. Leuluai 14. Escare (coming on at scrum half, with Powell to hooker)

Not having the figures to hand, how do you know that Sam was only asking the market rate?

Would you not at least consider that the French are being silly, probably because they are in desperate straits? Why is it always Wigan who are at fault?

I totally agree in terms of attack. Especially when playing split halves. FB is a second pivot which links in where and when around the 3/4s. For me the one who perfected this is Billy Slater. But attack is only half the game, a truly great FB can also defend, read the play, make the try saving tackle and be in the right place at the right time, as well as being safe as houses under a high ball when challenged (something which Sam has greatly improved on).

I was a big Hampo fan. He also did chime into the line, and was once a golden boot candidate way back in the 80s. His defence and positional play was superb, always rated him higher than his NRL counterpart Gary Jack (who was also considered the best of his time).

We've been blessed. Hampo, Paul, Lydon, Radz and of course Sam. How these rank is debatable.

I think people are being very harsh on the defensive side of his game which has improved exponentially from when he first moved to full back.

It has. But in comparison to Rads? Criticism is fair.

Good Riddance

An extremely overrated player who has shown no loyalty to the club

Slagged the fans off, and been paid well over his skill set would deserve

Laughed at in Australia as the worst overseas signing ever

No wonder a few other players in the squad are holding out for more money when you have the biggest grabber of them all in your team

For what it’s worth I think this is a cracking signing for Catalan. Irrespective of his talents on the field, they are crying out for someone with his leadership skills and will to win on the pitch.

Regardless of current performances there is some real talent at Catalan and Tomkins may just be player/character they need to bring a different mindset to the playing staff.

I for one am sad to see him go.

He’s finally hitting form on the back of an international free off season.

Was unplayable in his first stint with us, since back from Aus (or NZ) been hit and miss, never hitting form due to injury.
A very valuable team member, vastly improved in defence and a marshal on the field, I thought was the natural successor to SOL, not sure who that’ll be going forward.

His performance since coming back did not justify a contract extension on the same terms, but if he can get more £/€ elsewhere but kiss goodbye to the chance of silverware and his legacy at Wigan then that’s his decision to make.

Call me pessimistic, but I can’t see the ZH situation ending well, hopefully we get a few seasons out of him before he brainfarts or he grows up, fingers crossed.

Need a new coach first.

Sam who ? I hope Catalan get relegated. This, and other imminent announcements, will derail our season.

Thanks, I hope we dont ! but I do wonder what would happen to this deal should Catalans go down.

Some time ago I had a chat with John Monie and I asked him who the best fullback is that he's coached at wigan. His reply was "When Hampo is fit, Hampo plays".

I believe he was a scrum half in his youth. Maybe he was the first 3/4 fullback.