Tomkins after glory – and his England spot
SAM TOMKINS is aiming to prove he is still the best full-back in the business when Wigan take on holders Hull in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final.
Once regarded as the finest player in the Super League, Tomkins has been hit by injuries in recent seasons following a stint with New Zealand Warriors.
But the England star returned after a lengthy lay-off with a sparkling display in a quarter-final victory at Warrington in June and has continued to show signs of his best form.
With Man of Steel contender Zak Hardaker and St Helens’ Jonny Lomax also vying for the England full-back spot ahead of the World Cup later this year, Tomkins is keen to showcase his talents on the biggest stage.
The 28-year-old said: “I’ve played well in the last few weeks and my body is feeling good, so hopefully I’ll keep improving. The World Cup is a huge carrot at the end of the year because I’m proud to be English and proud to pull on that jersey.
“I’ve done it before and it’s like winning trophies – you know how good it is so you want to do it again.
“The buzz of playing for England is like nothing else, so I want to do everything I can to get myself in the World Cup squad. Yes, competition is fierce at full-back but we’ve got genuine OH BOY: Tomkins’ two sons will watch him at Wembley quality in every position. I’ve matured as a player and become more of a leader.”
Tomkins, eyeing a third Challenge Cup triumph with Wigan, returns to the national stadium for the first time since becoming a father to sons Rex and Caine.
“It will be special on Saturday to have my two boys in the crowd. It’ll be the first final they’ve been to and hopefully in the years to come they can look at pictures with their dad having won the trophy,” he said.
“When I was in New Zealand, watching the Challenge Cup finals from afar was difficult because I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve got a chance to lift it again.”
CASTLEFORD forward Grant Millington has signed a three-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2020.