Sam Tomkins

[Smurfy_91]

First of all, before everybody starts abusing me, I'd like to say I am a big supporter of Sam, and I think he is a class player. AND I am not singling him out for today's loss, or blaming him in anyway, because it was a poor team performance. But I am just questioning as whether he is ready to be our number one Stand Off for the next season (as Lenegan has said he will not be signing anyone new). Yes Sam can be amazing and shows his brilliance every now and again. But if he can't turn up for the big matches, like Semi-Finals, is he really ready? He wasn't exactly poor today but some of his passes weren't exactly accurate and some of the choices he made were poor. IMO these are the games we need him most. Sure nerves will have played a part but didn't seem to affect Flanagan who was in the same situation. So I worry he isn't ready to take on all this responsability just yet.

[Mike]

How you going to find out? Drop him back to the reserves for the big matches?

How's he going to become ready? By magic, or big matches in the reserves?

He's young. He will make mistakes. Every match will not be one of his greatest. This is normal.

It will take at least a couple of seasons for him to become a big game player - or never if we don't give him the opportunity to learn from the experience of playing in those matches.

[highland convert]

Agreed, Mike, there is few on here would suggest an alternative lineup but shout because Noble played them there. King was always going to face Carmont and Roberts. That is where they play. Sam was always going to go head to head against all and sundry because that is his job. We were beat by a bigger team that has the ball. It would not have mattered if Smith, Turf or CPW was our coach. If Wire played we were in trouble.
Jim

[captinjack]

Mike I agree with your comments. Sam is going to be a good player and is learning his craft well. This not the time to be dropping him. He did well today under the circumstances, I mean having more senior players around him who did not pull their weight.

[Kittwazzer]

Shaun Edwards played at Wembley when he was 17. Not his greatest game but he continued to be on the sheet every week. Look what happened to him!

Personally, I rate Sam as an equal prospect. I hope he gets No6 shirt next year!

I envisage Sam and Mellor as the GB halfbacks for 10 years!

[platt-warrior]

Over the past few weeks I have become a huge admirer of Flanagan.The games he has taken part in this season he has not let us down.I realise this is a Sam Tomkins thread butr both these young players have proved that the future of this club is in safe hands.Some of these so-called senior players should really hang their heads in shame and use the enthusiasm shown by these lads to their benefit.

[Panchitta Marra]

Agreed, Mike, there is few on here would suggest an alternative lineup but shout because Noble played them there. King was always going to face Carmont and Roberts. That is where they play. Sam was always going to go head to head against all and sundry because that is his job. We were beat by a bigger team that has the ball. It would not have mattered if Smith, Turf or CPW was our coach. If Wire played we were in trouble.
Jim

Thanks Jim, you are so right, KING WAS ALWAYS GOING TO FACE UP AGAINST CARMONT AND ROBERTS
Funnily enough, through Smith's good tactical awareness in the league game some months ago, he moved King onto Shaun Ainscough's wing to great effect.
Stevie Wonder could have seen this coming, and I think with his Rugby League knowledge, would have pitched Pat Richards on that wing.
Pity Brian Noble couldnt se it though.
Maybe Brian would be a better singer.

[ian b]

First of all, before everybody starts abusing me, I'd like to say I am a big supporter of Sam, and I think he is a class player. AND I am not singling him out for today's loss, or blaming him in anyway, because it was a poor team performance. But I am just questioning as whether he is ready to be our number one Stand Off for the next season (as Lenegan has said he will not be signing anyone new). Yes Sam can be amazing and shows his brilliance every now and again. But if he can't turn up for the big matches, like Semi-Finals, is he really ready? He wasn't exactly poor today but some of his passes weren't exactly accurate and some of the choices he made were poor. IMO these are the games we need him most. Sure nerves will have played a part but didn't seem to affect Flanagan who was in the same situation. So I worry he isn't ready to take on all this responsability just yet.

I think he is ready personally but he should be no7 and we need a quality stand off cos tommy is not a scrum half

[ian b]

Sam is very brave and very talented BUT he needs help he needs an older head along side him to help we also need tommy at 9

Riddell might be running well etc but he is not helping to dictate a game.

If we don't sign a 7 next season we will be in the Same position as this year, that is if Sam does not suffer 2nd season syndrome

i still think sam would be better at 7 with like you say an experienced half back partner and i think a bigger no6

[OAMJSONA]

Sam is very brave and very talented BUT he needs help he needs an older head along side him to help we also need tommy at 9

Riddell might be running well etc but he is not helping to dictate a game.

If we don't sign a 7 next season we will be in the Same position as this year, that is if Sam does not suffer 2nd season syndrome

and a class full back