Tomkins a back-up option for hooker role!

[josie andrews]

Joel Tomkins has emerged as a surprise back-up option for the vital hooker role this Friday.

The 30-year-old is on stand-by to fill the key position against Salford, Shaun Wane has revealed. His options at halfback and hooker have been narrowed by a glut of injuries, as well as a suspension to Micky McIlorum and Sean O’Loughlin’s England call-up. George Williams (knee), Thomas Leuluai (jaw) and Jake Shorrocks (knee) are all out of the frame.

French full-back Morgan Escare can play at halfback, but was last night waiting for scan results on a knee injury suffered in Saturday’s 54-4 mauling at Castleford. If he is fit, Wane says Escare will “more than likely” play in the halves – possibly alongside Nick Gregson, which would allow Sam Powell to continue at hooker.

But if Escare is ruled out, then Powell will need to operate in the halves, leaving Wane short of options for the No.9 spot. “Joel could play there if we’re stuck,” said Wane. “Morgan, if he’s okay, he can play in the halves.”

The dummy-half role is alien to Tomkins, though he is used to the defensive duties in the middle.

Young Josh Ganson, who debuted at Castleford, will provide hooker cover from the bench and fit-again Lewis Tierney is set for a return to the side at full-back.

Hooker McIlorum, who is only two games back from a 14-month injury lay-off, will definitely not play on Friday after receiving a one-match ban. He submitted an early-guilty plea to a grade B offence of standing on opponent Jake Webster.

“It’s going to be a makeshift team, there’s no point convincing anyone any different,” said Wane. “We’ll be low on numbers but we’re Wigan, and when our backs are against the wall, hopefully we will come up with a performance.”

Williams has also had a scan on a knee injury which ruled him out of England’s Test against Samoa. Wane said he had “no chance” of facing Salford.

Welsh prop Ben Flower underwent an operation on his ruptured Achilles yesterday. “It’s a long one, I’m gutted for him – he’s been our best front-rower,” said Wane.

As one began his spell on the sidelines, another took a big step towards his return after winger Dom Manfredi ran for the first time since suffering a horrible knee injury last year. “Felt good to be back running on the field after a long eight months,” tweeted Manfredi, due back in action this autumn.

http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-l ... -1-8523141

[Exiled Wiganer]

Wonderful news about Dom. He has done it tough.
Sounds like Morgan's injury is not at all serious, and I suppose Williams can't play after sitting out the international. We should be ok to beat Swinton but will need some half backs from somewhere for Warrington and Saints - anything more than a couple of weeks and we are in trouble. Please god Lockers gets back in one piece...

[5miler]

2 weeks ago we were told Sam was 6 weeks away from playing,last week that was revised to this month as he was looking really good. Let there be no "smoke and mirrors" or setbacks on this one and it be factually accurate which would mean Sam would be back in the next couple of weeks ????Because we really could do with him at the moment. Fully match fit? Not a chance for about a month but his nouce and experience would be invaluable.

[5miler]

Also,great news about Dom. Hope all goes well from now on and he gets back soon.

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

Tomkins at hooker? Now I can't quite understand that.

[Wiganer Ted]

A bloke 6'4" in at dummy half?
Don't buy that one.
If Sam Powell is in the squad then he needs to do the 80 mins at dummy half, again!
As has been said our backs are very fast.
We need to make the best of that.

[w.thomas]

Dumb option for me if we have a young hooker in the squad. At least he knows the position. Great news about dom! Can't wait to see him back. And wane must be on something if he thinks flowers been the best prop, TT easily for me!

[SJ]

Dumb option for me if we have a young hooker in the squad. At least he knows the position. Great news about dom! Can't wait to see him back. And wane must be on something if he thinks flowers been the best prop, TT easily for me!

I agree Tomkins is no9. Still we are Wigan and when are backs are against the wall we have the players to get "sent off" :conf: