Wigan Warriors coach Shaun Wane praised Sam Tomkins as the full-back stretched his scoring run to nine consecutive appearances in their win over Salford to stay top of Super League.
The Warriors scored nine tries, with Tomkins bagging two, in the 46-6 success to stretch their unbeaten run to eight games and claim a league double over the Reds.
There is still speculation over Tomkins’ future however and Wane is well aware of the England star’s value.
“He’s good, he’s competitive. He just brings so much when he plays,” said Wane.
“I was impressed, I thought we did really well and scored some great tries.
“Considering the ruck speed was painfully slow, which was disappointing, I thought we scored some great tries.
“Our skill was good, our concentration was good, our defence was good so I’m happy today.”
Despite Wane’s frustration at the game’s speed, Wigan had no problems finding the try line.
Josh Charnley opened the scoring after 100 seconds and Ben Flower, Anthony Gelling, Tomkins and Liam Farrell all crossed the whitewash in the first half.
Frustratingly for Gelling, after scoring in the 15th minute he left the field with a shoulder injury with Matty Smith also taking a shoulder charge on the hour which forced the end of his game.
“I feel sorry for Gelling, he’s a good kid. He’s worked hard to get back, he’s fit and strong and then he does that,” said Wane.
“I’m really disappointed for him but he’ll be back and he’s with us next year so he’ll have his time.
“With Smith it was an obvious shoulder charge and I’ll assess the damage when he has it scanned tomorrow but I’m really disappointed.”
Charnley and Tomkins registered a second try each in the second half with Lee Mossop and Blake Green topping-up Wigan’s tally.
Adam Walne crashed over in the final minute to prevent a second shut-out from the Warriors this season but uncharacteristically, Wane wasn’t too bothered.
“I won’t let that affect my sleep tonight,” he said.
“I was pleased with everybody today – there wasn’t one person I thought could’ve done better.”
Image courtesy of SuperLeague TV, via YouTube, with thanks.
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