Sam Tomkins will re-join the Wigan Warriors at the end of the 2015 season.
The 26-year-old, who joined NRL outfit Vodafone Warriors from Wigan for a world-record transfer fee in 2013, announced his return to Super League last week.
And now Wigan, who overcame Warrington Wolves 30-20 on Thursday, have confirmed that the full-back – who bagged 144 tries in 152 games for his hometown club before his move down-under – will return to the DW Stadium on a four-year deal, for a fee in excess of £200,000.
“I am really happy to have this sorted and to be returning home to Wigan,” said Tomkins, who has scored 13 tries and amassed 13 assists during his spell in the NRL.
“All of my friends and family live in Wigan, a lot of them play for Wigan. It really was a no-brainer for me when I sat down and thought about things.
“It’s been a fantastic experience to test myself in the NRL but the reality is I am 13,000 miles away from my friends and family.
“When I left Wigan I always knew in my heart that I would return to play for the club one day and I am very excited at the thought of pulling on that famous jersey again.”
Tomkins joins his two brothers – Joel and Logan – the former of whom also made a move back to Wigan after testing himself in Rugby Union, in the Warriors’ ranks.
Tomkins’ arrival was announced at half time during Thursday’s clash with Warrington Wolves at the DW.
Dom Manfredi’s second hat-trick in a week sealed the triumph for the hosts, who maintained their 100 per cent home record in the process.
Ben Flower – who was sent off after just two minutes in the 2014 Grand Final – and has been suspended since, also made his comeback to Shaun Wane’s line up.
Although the visitors took an early lead, tries from Liam Farrell, Ryan Hampshire and Manfredi edged Wigan ahead before the break.
And though Ben Currie put the Wolves in front just after the restart, Anthony Gelling and Manfredi’s double put the result beyond all doubt.
However, head coach Wane believes that his side were still far from their best.
“I think we’re only going to get better, we’re not playing anywhere near to the standard that we can play. We’re going to put in a complete performance soon,” he said.
“We gifted them a couple of tries with some really poor one on one misses but the way we attacked was great.
“I was disappointed at half-time because they hadn’t really earned to be so close to us, I said that to the players and they agreed.”
On Tomkins’ return to his squad for next season, Wane added: “Once I heard that Sam was looking to come back to England next year I knew we had to pull out all the stops to have him here.
“He is one of our own and a truly world class player.
“To get someone like Sam back is a great coup for us, we do a lot of things right at this club.
“I’m pleased for all the coaching staff, it’s everybody doing their bit that makes it a good culture. The players love it here.”
Main image courtesy of Super League TV via YouTube, with thanks.
