So many seem to think the precocious, irksome Tomkins junior is the new messiah at FB......and on attacking ability he offers much. However, I bet Bailey wishes [ithis[/i lad had been the FB at Wembley.



The fact that Donald could walk over him (never mind Eastwood) makes me despair for his chances of stopping the Aussie juggarnaut down under. Give me a good defensive FB anytime with a modicum of good attacking ability... as opposed to this contrary pathetic, weak last obstacle option.

Leeds should have forwards running at him at every opportunity and swatting the petulant gnat aside this coming Saturday.

As for Tomkins senior, just let Bailey do his usual job for the inevitable jejune-lack-of-composure-kicking-out notoriety (God help us again down under).

Surely the Wigan thug won't get away with it for a [ithird[/i time.....and his little Wigan sibling cheat won't be excused again for his pinning-the-arms-lack-of-good-sportsmanship either ?? The gods of rugby are at large according to one prominent journalist.....watch this space.

Another Leeds v Saints final methinks.

Tomkins snr to bailey the
sh 1 t house

Assuming he's playing full back the forwards will probably be thinking 'chance would be a fine thing.'

The truth hurts.

To be fair, although Deacon has a better kicking game, I'd be happy to see Tomkins start at FB. His kick returns are nothing special and he isn't big enough to stop most players going straight over the top of him.

Don't mistake this for having a pop at Tomkins; if I were coaching Wigan I'd have him at 6 and get the ball to him as much as possible.

Seriously

....I agree.

Sam certainly has you lot worried. Obsessed!

He's an exciting young player and one of our best hopes of beating the Auusies.

But Billy Slater full back extraordinaire he is not.

Further proof that the only good thing to ever come out of Nantwich........is the A51!

Agreed. Having watched wigan for over 25 years this lad could turn out to be one of the best ever to play for the club. He is prone to the odd mishap just like for the fox try last night. Hes still a kid.

As for beating the Aussies, I think last year at home proved we are as far away as we have ever been.

I can see while Joel Tomkins can rile the opposition supporters but to be fair his tactics down the years are not in the same league as Bailey!

Now be perfectly truthful, have you ever actually watched a game of Rugby League. You may hate this kid (for obvious reasons) but to dismiss him as you have is nothing short of idiotic. Credit where its due, I dont thinkj he is in the McGuire league yet but he WILL get there.

Tomkins (S) is an annoying little shizer but without doubt has a bucket load of talent and has one of the best sidesteps I think I’ve seen.

Defensively he’s weak and needs to improve that side of his game greatly.

A full back he aint though, the kid’s a stand-off through and through.


Still has a punchable face.

Tomkins is certainly a talent but he has the attitude that could seriously overwhelm that. He wouldn't be the first player to waste their career if he lets his ego overwhelm his ability and, lets face it, the Tomkins breed clearly isn't the brightest on that side of the Pennines.

He has to work on his defence no matter which position he is playing in. Teams will soon start "spotting" him if he doesn't develop a sound technique - something that Rob Burrow did very quickly.

Google maps is such a wonderful innovation don't you think!

So is living in Kelsall. Umm....

tomkins wont be the full back against the aussies if widdup is fit

all the top teams have players that can produce moments of magic like tomkins can for wigan but deacon has been the guy pulling all their strings this season without getting the plaudits
if deacon is fit for the next game our chances are a lot less than if he's missing

I actually wouldnt disagree with anything you just wrote there.
Sam has done a fine job at FB for us in the absence of Phelps and Amos.
Dont see him playing in that position next season though.
'Specially if Tommy L moves to hooker.

Tomkins isn't big enough to play Full-back. He as shown more than once he will get trampled by the bigger players near the line. Outstanding talent, but just not big or strong enough to play internationally at full back anyway.

How big is Brent Webb?

ok, I have worded that wrong. Brent Webb has more bulk than Tomkins. IMO, Tomkins is too small physically to play full back. Gets brushed off too easily near the line.

He's not alone in that regard as it's a fate suffered by almost every other full back in SL also (including the three available to Leeds) with the only possible exception to the rule being .... dear lord no .... Wellens.

Damn Mathers' out of character Wembley performance.

I think it's more a case of technique and ability in that position mate rather than size!

I'm not so sure tbh. I can't recall ever seeing Webb bounce of a player on the line like Tomkins did against donald, or against Eastwood. I don't think he has enough bulk at the moment, which also means he is pretty light, so will always lose the collision in situations like that.

Only had the pleasure of watching RL the last 33 years whilst living in Leeds, Tauranga and Townsville....not so easy in my present location I concede but for Sky. The A51 aint that great believe me.
Suggest you read ALL my posts this thread. As for hating....who said that ? Any player that provokes strong reaction from the opposition supporters is a player you should know is to be feared and respected. Hate is just a euphemism for fear.
......but he aint a FB.

For me it should have been Amos FB, Tomkins SO and Deacon SH for a certain GF winning team.....but what do I know ?
i think Leeds' chances are certainly increased if you maintain the same FB/SO/SH line up you put out against HKR.