I wouldn't have said Slater was [iawesome[/i. He also made an error or two under the high ball and was pretty ineffective ball in hand IMO.

Slater is more a physical anomoly than a RL player. He could well be the finest athlete Rugby League has ever seen.
Tomkins is not far off Slater's skill level however, he will never be as capable as Slater because he is literally a freak of nature.

Wigan fans get a lot of critiscism for being "one-eyed", but i hope you have all noticed that not many are here proclaiming Sam to be some sort of god.

Slater..... Lets see how Sam goes, looks like he is on an interesting journey.

I don't like Slater. That's not to say he isn't a good player. But he is cocky and this cockiness cost the Aussies the World Cup in 2008. TBH I'd like to see Gareth Hock say or somone equally brutal get hold of him and (fairly of course) put him out of the game for a season or two!

Anyone who picks Tomkins over Slater is basically an idiot.

Ryan Hall did that at Wembley last year

This thread is hilarious…


He’s not cocky at all.

IMO slater is an incredible player and plays exactly to the textbook. His techniques are perfect and he doesn't do much wrong. However, I believe that Tomkins has a more natural talent, the way he can cut through defenses with absolute ease. He literally makes professionals look stupid, and if he can work on things such as catching the high bomb and consistency then I believe he'll surpass Billy.

Just my opinion though!

If you were picking a team you'd probably want to have both in there somehow, but if you could only pick one then any sensible person would pick Slater and that is in no way a disservice to Tomkins, it's widely accepted fact that Slater's an utter freak.

As for the fairly consistent comments that Tomkins is 'by far' the best player in Super League? I think that's pushing things a touch. Comfortably amongst the best, easy to argue that he is the best, but without a shadow of a doubt the best? No. By far? Not a chance. I don't think in all my time watching RL that any one player has been 'by far' the best player in the competition and I really don't see that changing in a sport that requires such a diverse set of skills, shapes and sizes.

You wish injury on a player that would keep them out for 'a season or two'?

You horrible human being.

To me the jury is out, Slater is already at the top & appears to have the will & desire to stay there. Sam Tomkins is on the rise who knows to what level, but it will be his desire or lack of it that will decide the final out come, his skill level is not in doubt.

Forgive me for not reading the whole thread but when does Tomkins' contract end? Would his manager be interested in shopping him around to Aussie clubs?

NRL will have expanded squad sizes after the new tv deal so even if there are a lot of quality fb's around atm I'm sure someone would be keen on another quality English import if only for the PR value

He just signed a big one last year to keep union off his back, the salary cap rules were 'adjusted' and he's probably one of the highest paid players to have played in SL now. One of the terms of the contract is he's not even allowed to speak or usher a word to NRL/union for at least 3 years

Sam will be at Souths after next year.

Playing in what position?? Can't see him pushing GI out of FB!

If only Inglis could play centre.

He'd never make it at centre. Too big, fast, strong and a marvelous rugby brain. He just doesn't have the same abilities as say Ablett.

Sam Tomkins isnt even in the top 10 players in the world.