Was very good, suprised me.

Didn't miss a tackle (I think) and displayed very good technique

I think we've got a goodun

You actually noticed Sam on the pitch in attack and defence, he hit above his weight in defence.

Very good debut, let's not expect too much though.

Why did his defence surprise anyone? It's always been excellent - just like Luke Robinson, Lammy or Burrow he uses technique to offset size and it's way more effective than sticking the shoulder in.

awsome defence through him self at them 1 spell he was involved in a full set of 6 tackling none stop , send smith home i say that will prob haunt me which i hope it does

I think tonight just proved - why are we messing around with players like Tim Smith when we have Sam Tomkins in our academy?

Agree it was a superb debut. his defence was solid and he reminded me a little of Jeff toovey in defence, whereby he knows what part of his opponent to hit, just to knock them off balance and them use his momentum in order to knock them over (particularly when he sent the winger into touch). He has an awkward style of run that is quite deceptive. I thought in the Whitehaven game he had a lethal step and it appears from tonight’s effort that he does.

I tell you one thing though a little of topic....we really need to start getting the ball to Roberts on the right wing. If I remember correctly, he only (apart from dummy half runs) received the ball in open play maybe twice in 80 mins, but look at the way he took his try. He is lightning fast.

All in all they did well tonight as a team, maybe not consistently but hey... a wins a win

Agree with that

Thought Roberts showed some promising signs tonight

Wigan with two dangerous wingers and a half who can sniff a gap at a hundred paces, don't be daft, ye'd down and thrutch.

Next week my team for you would be...

Richards
Roberts
Bailey
Carmont
Ainscough
S.Tomkins
Leulaui
Fielden
Riddell
O'Carroll
Hansen
O'Loughlin
J.Tomkins

Smith
Feka
Hock
Coley

Replace McIlorum for Smith and we have a winner

Coley aside, I think most Wigan fans would go with that.

Drop Riddell for McIlorum. Drop Coley for Prescott and that squad is good.

Sams defence was excellent. He finds a way to bring the man down by hook or by crook.

His reading of the play in defence really gives him a head start in terms of positioning.

He's got a rugby brain, no wonder Noble has taken so long to play him!

Smith and Hock don't have a brain betweenm them...............that must be why they're regulars

Amen brother Mathers, Coley, Phelps or Bailey shouldnt touch a wigan shirt until they prove their worth!!!!!

Or Riddell for that matter!

Agreed with the others but i thought Bailey had his best game in a Wigan shirt for quite some time tonight.

It was no coincidence that our right side defence was alot better tonight then last week(although still not perfect).

Good post ,and good coaching and common senses from Sam Tomkins .

Riddell played well. Replay the game and watch it. I've got back and watched it again.

Sam Tomkin's defence was superb.

Did anyone else notice that in attack, he was on the shoulder of the player carrying the ball ala Edwards?

When Carmont was heading for the try line, Tomkins instictively moved from the busy inside to the space outside in case Carmont was caught.

The young guy's a natural.

Yes, I'm surprised Noble didn't take him straight off! I mean, support play? Running on the shoulder of the ball carrier? Picking the right space to run in? Shocking!

Wasn't it great to see



Doubt in the defenders minds, space created

Wonder if Noble told him we'll have less of that next week

Having that as my sig

Sam was a star again yesterday he is the best half back we have had since Edwards
Recorded the match so going to go down and watch it before lunch from what i saw at the stoop it was a great game but god that beer gives me a bad head