Exclusive by Thomas McCooey
Wigan Warriors star man Sam Tomkins refused to comment on his future as speculation of a move to the southern hemisphere’s NRL next season mounted.
New Zealand Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell and chief executive Wayne Scurrah visited Wigan a fortnight ago and have expressed an interest in the 24-year-old.
And Tomkins, often linked with a move to rugby union, reaffirmed his star potential with four tries in Wigan’s Challenge Cup win over Leigh Centurions – a trophy he insists is important to him.
“Winning the Challenge Cup is massive,” Tomkins told Mancunian Matters.
“I know the history of the cup and having won it once I’m more than hungry to win it again.
“It’s always great scoring tries and there were plenty of opportunities against Leigh.
“I’m happy with it, it was a decent performance event though it was a bit scratchy at times but Leigh put up a good fight.”
“That feeling of seeing Sean O’Loughlin [Wigan captain] lift the trophy was pretty special and it’s certainly something I want to do again.”
Wigan are favourites to lift the trophy this season but Tomkins is not taking that tag for granted.
“It’s a whole new competition and it’s something we enjoy. It’s a new challenge,” Tomkins added.
“Our league form goes out the window compltely. It’s completely about the Challenge Cup and hopefully we’ll have a nice run through but if not we’ll deal with it.
“When we won it in 2011 we had a really tough draw so we’re looking forward to that.”
Wigan will play just one of their next seven Super League games at home but Tomkins does not expect their form to dip.
“We don’t do too badly on the road so we’re not fussed by that,” he said.
“We travel well and prepare well so it’s a good change even though we love playing at home.
“Our fans travel well and we have the best fans wherever we are.”
Speculation continues to be rife about Tomkins – in the second season of a five-year deal with Wigan – and is able to negotiate with other clubs next year as part of the deal.
However, Wigan coach Shaun Wane denied any knowledge of interest in Tomkins last week and Tomkins refused to be drawn into his future when quizzed.
But with the RFU and the New Zealand Warriors interested in the current Super League Man of Steel, a move could happen sooner rather than later.
