“We’ve got the first option,” said Lenagan. “If it gets to the point where he is available it is in our hands. And I’ll be delighted if that was the case.”

Surely all that means is that Wigan get to table their bid first? If Tomkins, for what ever reason, doesn't want to go to Wigan, or wants to listen to other offers, then Wigan can't make him sign for them, can they?

I believe the 'first option' means that Wigan get to give their offer first, and I presume it means that if Wigan match the highest offer, he's theirs.

Link to the article announcing his departure (if I have done it right)

[urlhttp://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=8674&type=news[/url


Taken from the link above.



I would imagine it forms more of a starting point for negotiation rather than a set in stone contract to sign or not sign but the expectation would be that he would negotiate with Wigan and accept or decline their offer(s) prior to speaking to other clubs. The use of the words "returns to Super League" provides the main area for doubt as to his destination as it is not clear whether or not the clause also prevents him speaking to RU clubs before Wigan.

This return of the prodigal son could mean the end of the road for Matthew Bowen.

BIT SLOW ON THE UPTAKE.... MANGO IS OOC THIS YEAR

But the return of Samuel Tomkins means that Mango probably won't get a new contract offer from Wigan as maybe he was hoping.

He wasn't getting that either way.

Can't even get a game at the minute.

maybe Leigh could interest him? near home, seemingly a club on the rise and seemingly plenty of brass to chuck around.

Leeds

Idiot Hardaker to Wiggin

Went watching Leigh every Sunday Wigan weren't playing as well due to his best mate (Andy Thornley) playing for them.

Looking at Leigh's salary cap they'd probably fit him in this year!

No thanks, we like having a fullback who can defend.

Hes pretty good at "attacking' too!

He's just been on bbc radio Manchester, he said it's not as obvious as people may think in regards the club he will sign for.

He's hardly going to say "yeah I had a deal at Wigan all nicely tucked up before even sorting out a release from NZW"

IMO it's either about negotiating the best deal or the deal is done and it's all smoke and mirrors to make it look like he hadn't already decided his future when asking to leave NZW.

Either way, he'll be at Wigan next year.

From that, it sounds like Wigan cant afford him (under the cap), maybe Warrington.
Having said that, he always came across as Wigan or nothing (apart from going half way round the world to play down under).

Do we know if he is intending to stay in League ?

May rule Wigan and Salford out then.

A little bird tells me Luke Walsh is going home, now that will leave a chunk of salary cap to spare. Would the Saints stoop low enough to sign him? If they did it would make great competition with him and Dawson fighting for a place.

Saints could use Tomkins as cover for Lomax; they'd only need him for about 30 games a season.

Sam Tomkins -> Leeds
Zac Hardaker & Sam Thaiday -> Wigan
Ryan Hampshire & Matty Smith -> Saints
SKD -> Salford

100% happening.

I doubt the Rhinos fans would be too happy with that and Hardaker is full back at Leeds so he'd not be needed.

Aside from not wanting my team's derby rivals to sign a very effective player, I'd be very excited if Salford swooped in.

Swap deal for Carney at Catalan.

But that would not make any sense at all. He's leaving NZ because he misses home, what does signing for Catalans achieve exactly? Better weather but they all talk funny and its still not home.

Could be Salford at a push, but would expect him back at Wigan within a season if he did go there.