Now Tomkins wants to go to union...

[DIEHARD]

Sam Tomkins wants future union switch

Rugby League star Sam Tomkins has hinted that he would like to switch codes in the coming years, despite recently moving to the NRL.

Tomkins, whose older brother Joel made his England union debut last autumn, released a statement in which he was quick to suggest that any move would be further into the future and that he would like to see out his three-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors.

He said: "It's not something that's on any time scale at the moment, but I'm 24 and hopefully I've got a number of years left in me, so at some point I'd like to give union a crack.

"It happens quite a lot now, look at Israel Folau. Kyle Eastmond in England has done it and converted well, as my brother has. To be a dual code international is certainly something I'd like on my CV."

Tomkins former club Wigan lost 34-16 in Saturday's World Club Challenge against the Sydney Roosters.

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/rugby-league

[DIEHARD]

Is Rugby League in England just a ****ing farm for union now? gggrrrr

[GCT_89]

Is Rugby League in England just a ****ing farm for union now? gggrrrr

Not just England...

When the skill set required to play each code are so similar and Union have a much stronger and respected International scene then its understandable that they want to give it a crack...

Keep in mind, Tomkins hasn't been approached, he's just genuinely interested....

[Titanic]

That's what a summer in Auckland can do to you ... just kidding HS on a more serious note perhaps we should stop being so precious about this issue ... those players "defecting" are only doing so because league has given them the opportunity to make a name for themselves.

This in itself attracts young players to league because of the pathways that league offers. Union is driven by a totally different philosophy so if the Lions or Wannabees or whoever are full of ex-leaguites then so what? It means that yawnion were unable to develop their players to that level and makes league the obvious choice of you want to be an international in either code.

I suppose we should also not be too wrapped up in the position of league on the international scale. We are small fry and so if Greg Norman has to go for greater opportunities and a whole range of Australian sports people like him, then why should we not pat them on the head, wish them good luck and them concentrate on the next future star? I won't lose one millisecond of sleepover some pommy's dream.

[GCT_89]

That's what a summer in Auckland can do to you ... just kidding HS on a more serious note perhaps we should stop being so precious about this issue ... those players "defecting" are only doing so because league has given them the opportunity to make a name for themselves.

This in itself attracts young players to league because of the pathways that league offers. Union is driven by a totally different philosophy so if the Lions or Wannabees or whoever are full of ex-leaguites then so what? It means that yawnion were unable to develop their players to that level and makes league the obvious choice of you want to be an international in either code.

Agreed...

[DIEHARD]

Nah screw union.

[DavidBouveng]

a few weeks with Matt Elliot will do that to you

[DIEHARD]

a few weeks with Matt Elliot will do that to you

ooooo good call.

[CoastSportsFan]

Do people think this is an issue of money or Union perhaps being more attractive for the bigger players? The NRL can fix the money situation if they raise the cap.

[DavidBouveng]

its bigger in there home country and they want to feel the prestige and get the recognition.

I think they said on the back page that After the League world cup semi against NZ last year IN ENGLAND, the next days papers had 7 odd pages of soccer and union before league got a mention.

[DIEHARD]

Bias southern papers unfortunately.

[Toads]

Probably just trying to win over some Kiwi supporters as well, with those comments.

[Mt Smart]

unfortunately Tomkins like a mini version of SBW has a brand.
He works for UK Sky and makes most of his serious coin in endorsements.

He's been banging on about giving Union a go for years , ever since his Brother switched.

It will happen. The Warriors just have to hope it doesn't come about before his three year contract with them is up.

Yes to the suggestion that it's about recognition. If you stay in League in the UK you are choosing to stay in Small potato's.
He is a very driven individual. He would have had this stuff planned out for some time now. ESL then NRL with a Union pathway.
That will not see the end of Tomkins in League. You'd expect when he is bored of rah rah he will semi retire back to the ESL.

[Smakked]

Again , who cares what theses guys do , could be worse he could head to that sport where they suck each others dicks all the time, whats it called.....yeah thats it soccer.