So many people jump on Sam's supposed weaknesses in defence, and they were hardly ever mentioned until the 2012 CC semi. The whole team got off to a shocking start and Tomkins got caught out by a couple of decent bombs by Sinfield. After that this whole "liability" tag started getting thrown about. He saved a lot more than he cost us, plus he was good for 30+ tries and 30+ assists every season.

The sad reality is all these things I've underlined are not by any means guaranteed.

I'm not sure how a long a contract in New Zealand Sam signed for, but he's coming back earlier than expected. It can't be a given that Wigan will have prepared for that. If we can't fit him under the cap, then that's it.

In IL I trust when it comes to returning prodigals.

In IL I trust when it comes to returning prodigals.

Can i point something out. I may be completely off the mark but it may throw a spanner in the works.

There is a first option on his transfer to NZ Warriors, yes?

This may be true and i don't know how rugby league contracts work, BUT, surely that option would be applicable if we were to SIGN him back from NZ Warriors. As i understand it, They are releasing him from his contract. Tearing it up before it expires.

Would that no constitute him being a free agent, thus allowing him to talk to any club he likes?

the option to sign on return was for Wigan releasing him from a contract 3 years early.......regardless where he went or for how long...

The fact of the matter is, Wigan will have known about this for a few weeks and will have done necessary work to accomodate him incase he was granted the release for 2016. Can't envisage other clubs knowing he'd be back in 2016 as that was NZ Warriors decision dependant on them signed TVS.

I have it on good authority that its agreed with Wigan but they had a few contractual clauses to iron out as you can imagine. I can see a "Union clause" to protect Wigan if he joins the dark side in a few years.

I don't see cap space being an issue or at least they'll be able to make it a non issue.

Pettybourne went late so his space should be available. We've obviously got Burgess leaving and surely Bowen as well. I'd be stunned if Patrick was kept on and I doubt we'll see Hopkins back and possibly Burke and Hughes as well.

Hopefully you're right and it's done. I do think Wire and Leeds will put money on the table but we should be able to get it done.

If not you have to question our policy over these past few seasons and worry for our immediate future.

cant see lockers here next season either

They are not tearing up his contract he is playing for them for the rest of the season, he is not a free agent

Either way the agreement with wigan to release him early was that if he came back early we could sign him at an agreed wage

I'd be shocked if we're anywhere close to the salary cap.

I'd bring Hughes and Burke back for sure - we should still be miles under. We have Academy kids all over the park.

You'd like to think we've been watching the cash with this in mind.

We'll find out soon I suppose.

Firstly I'll come out with what i believe...Tomkins will almost certainly sign back to Wigan.

If he did go elsewhere the only other option would be his boyhood club(i'd gladly have him) and that would be around a 2% chance.

The contract he signed isn't worth jack either, if another club offered more than Wigan, Wigan can't make him re-sign for them (but he will sign for you).

The Bradford/Leeds case, i remember Hood issuing an apology, did Leeds win that case..any legal types here know?

Here is the case if anyone wants it. www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2005/1591.html

Here is the case if anyone wants it. www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2005/1591.html

Searched on google Wireyed and from what I can gather Bulls were appealing the decision but in 2008 they settled. The payment was over 500000 + costs.

Probably less than what we'd get in a transfer fee.

I work in motor law so I might aswell be in an entirely different profession, but it seems that that case concluded by ruling in favour of Leeds by saying the option to re-employ clause wasn't void (Bradford's argument) because both Leeds and Harris would have benefitted from that clause. Another part does say that Harris didn't fully understand the contents of that clause in the transfer.

I could be totally wrong there but that's how it reads to me. Interesting case though.

The Daily Mail has run a story that; [i"Sam Tomkins not certain to re-join Wigan..".[/i

While not putting a 100% belief that this is true, this is very reminiscent of a few years back . Sam was very coy about leaving Wigan, especially at Wembley. Now I would love him to return to Wigan, but I am deeply worried about Wigans recent record. When I say that, I mean under Mr.Lenegan. we the club, has become 'tighter than a ducks bum'.

As a long time supporter I am not happy that Sam is seemingly not 100% a committed Wigan player, and also that we won't spend the dosh needed to obtain top class players.

I will pose a question.

What would fans think if Sam signed for either Leeds, or heaven forbid, Warrington ?

Instead of making these sort of statements in the media, he ought to keep his mouth shut.

It's the Daily Mail

You say that, but I've listened to a few interviews where he has said a similar thing.

It would put him in a poor bargaining position if he came out and said there's only one club for him.

Wouldn't the best thing for Sam to have been to keep quiet and just announce his club when it's all sorted?

A bit of attention seeking going on!

I wouldn't like the be Mr Lenegan at the next fans forum if Sam doesn't come back.

If Mr Lenegan does not 'move heaven and earth' to bring Sam back then I certainly won't be moving heaven and earth to renew my season tickets

I think you make a decent point there.

IF Sam doesn't come back (i believe be will BTW) and he goes to a rival then fans have every right to be peed off. It will raise a open up a massive can of worms and ill feelings.

It could even signal the end of IL.

There will be a backlash for sure.

You can't let player after player after player leave on the premise that the homegrown ones will come back (which some have) and then not sign the biggest and the best of them.

I'm confident but if this didn't happen the whole strategy of the club these last few seasons will have been blown out of the water.