Sam

[markill]

This natural position stuff is a load of nonsense! I've no doubt Sam should end up back in the halves, but he is no less capable at full back. In fact, a fully fit Sam Tomkins has shown that.

Before the second half against Wakefield he has been very influential in our play in a positive way, if not quite full pace yet. Plus he's been much stronger in defence than last time we had him. Since then he's still been OK in defence but more mistake as he's trying to avoid contact in kicking situations it feels like to me. In attack, similarly, he's avoiding going full tilt. I'm a little worried about it, but not terminally concerned.

[cpwigan]

That is the hope :eusa10:

[The Yonner]

Sam played brilliantly at stand off in his first two seasons in 2009-10 and I see no reason why he can't switch back.

At the time Maguire considered the incumbent fullbacks as a weakness, whereas he was able to backfill Sam with Deacon at stand off, which worked superbly well as we know.

Now the position is reversed. We have a glaring weakness at half back and other options at fullback.

There are precedents for players "reinventing" themselves by switching roles - Shaun Edwards being the best example, I feel.

Shaun started rather ponderously as stand off, showed more ability as a full back, then scrum half, then superbly as stand-off to Gregory, and finally as the master tactician as scrum half and playmaker in his own right.

Keep the faith - Sam in the right role with a new coach to build a side around him will be our salvation!

[georgeorwell]

I think it would be better for both Sam and the club if he didn't play again this season. Give him more time and space to get himself fully fit, then we can judge him next season.

[moto748]

There are precedents for players "reinventing" themselves by switching roles - Shaun Edwards being the best example, I feel.

Darren Lockyer?

As for Sam, I'm very much in the 'fear he is busted' camp. Losing a yard of pace isn't necessarily the end of the world (just ask Paul Wellens!), and he has the rugby brain to cope (not something widespread at the DW right now), but somehow I'm not optimistic. I'd like to see him in the halves and a good full-back in place as well. I was thinking fondly of Matty Bowen last night.

[cpwigan]

The irony is that Sam is a more complete player but as yet his Zip and fleet of foot is missing maybe temporary, maybe permanently.

[Wandering Warrior]

Why put ur hand up to play when supposed not fit.

I think we are making excuses for him if I'm honest, I've seen enough this year and his time in the NRL to know that he's shot, nowhere near the impact.

Just a mercenary who has got a free ticket back to the club on sentiment.

Any sportsman or woman with an ounce of pride will or would put their hand up to partake, and that is based on experience.
The consequences of their actions are secondary to their desire to be seen not to fail I'm afraid.

[thegimble]

Why put ur hand up to play when supposed not fit.

I think we are making excuses for him if I'm honest, I've seen enough this year and his time in the NRL to know that he's shot, nowhere near the impact.

Just a mercenary who has got a free ticket back to the club on sentiment.

Any sportsman or woman with an ounce of pride will or would put their hand up to partake, and that is based on experience.
The consequences of their actions are secondary to their desire to be seen not to fail I'm afraid.

After his first 3-4 games no one complained about him he gets an injury against Wakey obviously not fit and he is a merc.

Another gripe on a player who saved a couple of tries on Friday whilst the winger who dropped a clanger did little not even a peep from some or sorry most.

[thegimble]

After his first 3-4 games no one complained about him he gets an injury against Wakey obviously not fit and he is a merc.

Another gripe on a player who saved a couple of tries on Friday whilst the winger who dropped a clanger did little not even a peep from some or sorry most.

To be fair, Tomkins was never fully fit in his final season with us, was never fully fit last season for NZ Warriors and many will have their doubts over his fitness this year.
He certainly doesn't seem to be performing at 100%, or his 100% is only a tiny fraction of what it used to be. I think most people are hoping he's carrying a knock, rather than this being what we should expect from now on.

Also, I think probably the reason Manfredi isn't getting much criticism is because he's been incredibly consistent all year and one of the most reliable outside backs in Super League. If you repeatedly make errors then people will start to criticise. If you make one big mistake people are more likely to cut you some slack.

The most errors from our players this season:
1. Sarge - 35
2. Gildart - 22
3. Charnley - 21
4. Smith - 16
5. Gelling - 15
6. Williams - 13
11. Tierney - 13
12. Manfredi - 12

That's probably why no one has heaped criticism on Manfredi. Tomkins has made a few howlers since his return, so people are bound to pick up on it more.

Neither centre is getting pinged for anything either. And the mistake by Manfredi was a real howler not under any pressure easy defused bomb and he dropped it. Even as he arched back he could have thrown it out of play.

How many howlers by Tomkins were under pressure compared to that one on Friday when it was a routine catch.

[Wintergreen]

In faireness it's not about any particular incident.

Sam Tomkins, in his first stint at Wigan was one of the handfull of players that it was worth paying the entrance fee to watch to see him alone. He was nothing less than a once in a decade player. A joy to watch.


On current form he is nowhere near that level. Not even close to 70% of that level. If it's an injury then he should be resting it. I suspect, sadly that it's more than that. It is not a criticism more an observation and I really hope that I am wrong.