Wigan coach Shaun Wane labelled Sam Tomkins ‘unique’ as the fullback bagged a hat-trick in a big win at London Broncos, keeping the Warriors top of Super League.
The 64-6 scoreline went beyond Wane’s pre-match expectations, but other hat-tricks from Pat Richards and Josh Charnley saw Wigan score 12 tries.
But the leader of the Wigan charge was Tomkins, whose first try was a skillful 80-metre solo effort after preventing London find touch with a penalty, leaving Wane purring.
“What can you say – Sam is a total one-off,” said Wane.
“He really is a class act. His competitive nature in training and on the pitch is a joy to see.
“The individual try he scored today was one of the best I have ever seen and I just wish we had more players who had that attitude.”
London’s Luke Dorn prevented his side from becoming Wigan’s third shut-out of the season with a try after 56 minutes but Wigan quickly recovered to add further scores.
Super League debutant George Williams, his halfback partner Sam Powell and Welsh prop Ben Flower all crossed the line to satisfy Wane.
“I was really pleased especially as we have lost both our halves,” added Wane.
“George and Sam were outstanding, to put a score on like that against a Super League team is fantastic.
“We have had disruption this week with players away and even on our final team run I didn’t have the players I wanted to play.
“It has been a poor week for us with having players missing through injury and England training but the attitude of the players – to come down here on a warm muggy day and turn-up with a performance like that – pleases me.”
Wigan face champions Leeds Rhinos in next week’s Magic Weekend clash at the Etihad Stadium and Wane wants Wigan’s attitude to continue.
“We are being ruthless in games, we stuck to the task today and defended really well,” he said.
“Our completions were 85% and that alone is so impressive, that we can stay focused and concentrated.”
Image courtesy of Super League TV, via YouTube, with thanks
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