It’s a family affair for the Tomkins
BROTHERS SET FOR SHOWDOWN WITH PLACE IN FINAL AT WEMBLEY THE PRIZE
WHATEVER the outcome of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-finals, Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins says his parents are on to a winner.
In fact, they have already booked their hotel for the August 26 final at Wembley in the knowledge that at least one of their three sons will be playing in it.
Sam and younger brother Logan were team-mates when Wigan last lifted the trophy in 2013, but they will be on opposing sides in Sunday’s second semi-final when the Warriors take on Salford at Warrington.
“At least one of us is going to Wembley which is handy for my mum and dad,” Sam said. “They could book their hotel anyway because they will be going.
“That was the only positive from the draw. I would have liked to miss them in the semi and play them in the final, but it’s not to be.”
Sam is hoping to be joined in the Wigan line-up by middle brother Joel, who has missed the last four matches through injury.
“It’s us or Logan,” Sam added. “My mum and dad will be able to enjoy the game because they’re not bothered who wins really.”
Wigan, the reigning Super League champions, are favourites to reclaim the trophy they have won for a record 19 times but Tomkins says they will be wary of the threat posed by surprise package Salford.
“Salford have been flying for the majority of the year,” Sam said. “It’s a huge game, I’m looking forward to it.
“I think we’ve shown enough in the last few weeks that we can produce some decent stuff.”
Salford boss Ian Watson, meanwhile, has told some of his players they could well be axed for the semi-final after a dismal performance in the 25-0 defeat at Super League strugglers Leigh Centurions on Friday night.
“People will lose their shirt on that performance,” said the Red Devils boss, whose side have clinched a top-four finish despite the defeat. “It was disappointing. The first half we were way below the standards we have set ourselves physically.
“Leigh were dominant - their pack was on the front foot and their halfbacks were able to control the game.”
When asked if he thought his players’ minds were on the Challenge Cup semifinal Watson said: “You would hope not because this was a massive game for the club to try and finish in the top four.
“Our performances have dipped and there’s been a drop in intensity since we secured a top-eight finish. What we need to do now is realise what we were doing before and rediscover the hunger and attitude we showed earlier in the season.”