Paul Wellens has come into some form of late and is very much looking like his 2006 self when he won man of steel. Now I’d loved Sam Tomkins pre-Challenge Cup Final form earlier this year to play for England but he just seems so out of form at the minute. He couldn’t even use his skills to edge Wigan towards Old Trafford or even a world club challenge victory earlier this season.

Paul Wellens has experienced world club challenge victories and a victory against the old enemy Australia in the past. Paul Wellens experience and current form edges over Sam Tomkins at the moment. I think an off season would do Sam Tomkins a world of good. We can only blindly hope that he’ll do well if he gets picked ahead of Wellens for England this coming four nations.

Not quick enough.

You know what I think?

I think you should post this on the Wigan site. They are well in the mood to gnash teeth...

Or laugh.

Paul Wellens has never been quick enough but that hasn’t stopped him from having a glittering rugby league career. He’s in fantastic form at the moment and has been a joy to watch at the back end of this year when Saints have been on TV.

My agenda isn’t to wind up Wigan fans



Besides I think it’s only a Wigan fan who should be allowed to post a thread like this on their own site otherwise it’s just asking for trouble.

I have little faith in McNamara as a coach, but anyone who picks Wellens over a fit Sam Tomkins is clearly insane, and I don't think McNamara is nuts. And I say that as someone with the utmost admiration for Wellens and all he has achieved and continues to achieve.

Wellens is a great player at club level but I think his days as an international full back are over. He's never been the quickest but the Aussies kill him with their kicking game. Tomkins is ideal for this position because he offers more in attack

Yeah ok



If you honestly believe what youve posted on this thread your more insane than Mcnamara

I would hope we are looking at the future with the world cup coming up in two years and building towards it. Wellens is a great player but I would rather have Tomkins in the team with the flair he has

Watching Lee Gaskell smash Tomkins in a one on one I must admit to thinking the same thing. Hodgson has been here for a while, could he be English in time?

There’s no doubt that Sam Tomkins is the future and at times this year he’s looked the present. But Paul Wellens performances have recently edged that of Sam Tomkins. It’s all there for everyone to see. I agree Sam has flair but that flair has yet to shine against the big teams on the international stage. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before it does. Hopefully it'll come in the world cup

If only we could play Wellens and Tomkins in the same team. Because you're right Damo, he's been magnificent recently.

It does seem that Tomkins recently has lost some of his flair. Is it that he is carrying an injury? I really don't know. I just hope everyone gets behind whoever gets picked and gets behind the country.

I don't want to sound like a hypocrite but Sam can do all the referee conning he wants to in the 4 nations.

Its a tough one this. Wellens is still sound defensively 9 times out of 10 but lacks the broken field elusiveness that Tomkins brings to the team. But, after watching Tomkins being run over by gaskell who is 4 stone wet, makes me wonder what will happen to him against the Aussies.

Wellens last test series suggested he could not handle kicks or dummy runners.
He spent more time with his hands on his hips complaining than tackling.
He is not up to it, never was.

Great idea, why not emulate the Tony Smith coaching masterclass and throw in Gardner and Sykes as well.

Would many full-backs have stopped Gaskell had they been in Tomkins' position? I think not. Tomkins is our best player. Certainly our best English player anyway.

If you really, really, want to play Wellens, then put him in at Centre where we're a bit weak. At least he'd tighten our defence up in that position, and he's in a better place to talk to his team-mates.

Actually forget that. Jesus, I can't believe we'd even consider picking Wellens at his age. We've a World Cup to work towards.

Slater, Lockyer, Minicheddars - they were only picked for their ability to stop someone 6' odd & 14st at full pelt while themselves flat footed.

Wellens wouldn't catch Slater on a motor bike- He isnt Int standard period

I love Wello but NOOOOOOOO

Wellens is the form full-back, but i wouldn'y choosr him, just not quick enough. Defensively, and defending kicks, he is the best,and would it wouldn't hurt Tomkins to learn from Wellens. Defensively, Tomkins is still very suspect and needs improving on. Attacking he is outstanding though and gives us that X-factor. However if he is carrying an injury, i really don't see the point in playing him. At domestic level, you can get away with a niggling injury, international, you have no place to hide, he certainly won't get the time to pass to his wing when returning a kick.

No I have to say.

Wello is a great player for Saints but that is it,not quick enough and not good enough IMO,leave Sam at FB.