I do not read it as showing desperation, it actually makes Rugby League seem subservient and irrelevant. Taking the best player out of a competitors Sport after a long, gruelling season in order to play an Exhibition game come across to me as taking a sideswipe at Rugby League. It's almost like saying 'you had a wonderful season in that little regional game of yours, now you are good enough to be invited to the real thing'.

It's also likely that getting a taste of 'how the other half live' and hearing from team-mates on the Barbarians how much they earn will turn Sam's head even more in regards turning to RU in the future.

I know he has a 3 year clause stopping him from talking to union clubs but that still won't stop them.

I'm pretty sure if it was a offer that Wigan couldn't turn down they would let him talk to union clubs.

IL has said he would never get in the way of a player wanting to leave, so if a club did come in for him with the RFU bank rolling the deal I can see it as a strong possibility. I'm just praying Wigan have another Shaun Edwards coming through the ranks some one with 100% loyalty and love for the town.

wonder if he'll find it much fun when he's under a pile of fat f*cks getting stamped on

I think it's a swipe at the Union players who have worked long and hard to be included in that team, only for the organisation to turn around and basically say;

'Sorry lads, we've picked one of the best fullbacks in the Superleague. Who, incidentally has never played union at a professional level and has infact just finished a long league and international campaign - cheers for trying lads, but he's actually better than you and he doesn't play your sport.'

That's what it looks like to me.

Agree with you completly, it could be a wake up call for English RFU.

Do the Wigan fans feel he's not loyal and doesn't like the town?

As a outsider looking in, I think he's stayed loyal by agreeing to stay and also by putting the clause in the contract. It's like he's put it in the wigans club hands by agreeing to the clause.

I hope he stays in super league but I don't think he'll be playing for Wigan for more than next two seasons. I think both Wigan and Sam will agree to the move.

And thats how the media will report this. They are not gonna mention how good Super league or Rugby League is. What they will do is make it sound 2nd rate and now Sam is with the big boys.

Anyone who thinks the media will sing rugby league's praises is living in cuckoo land!

Playing for the Barbarians is not taken that seriously in this modern era, if he was picked for the English RU side then it would be a slap in the face. It's not the pinnacle of a career to be picked for the Ba-Ba's or anything close to that. In the Amateur era it was a much bigger deal, now there are so many more important fixtures that it's way down the Totem poll of significance.

The Barbarians fixtures aren't serious matches they pick one uncapped player and a lot of players from the Southern Hemisphere who are in the off season. Danny Cipriani has been selected so that should tell you it isn't the elite players of the Union world there is a mix of quality talent to average who are available. You'll see on Saturday they have a code of play which is to entertain they won't take a penalty at goal unless it's absolutely required.

It is a kick in the teeth for current union players that sams been picked but let's be honest, the whole thing is based on turning SAMs head.

Yep and and I cant believe some fans, RFL and Wigan RL cannot see this.

Sam has been picked for one reason only and that is to bring him closer to Rugby Union!

That is one reason why the NRL would never agree to something like this.

Your right the British & Irish Lions the most prestigious cap a player can receive you really are an elite Union play if your in the Lions squad.

That's bringing a different argument into the matter though. The media can say what they want - as they usually do - but what will be reported is that Sam is a Wigan Rugby League player, because that's what he is.

Anything after that is solely up to the editor to create a story. My point was about the organisation of rugby union as a sport, not about the media's perception of the proceedings.

Publicity is publicity - that's for the media to spin whichever way they see fit - it doesn't mean the organistional body have these same thoughts, which is why I think they've asked Sam in the first place. They obviously have nobody else good enough from their sport.

That discounts Dan Carter then lol

this is just a general question btw and im not suggesting hes not commited or whatever but if he was as loyal as you say st pete and wanted to play for wigan for the next 3 yrs at least then why was this clause even considered for his new contract?

I find it really strange that Wigan have agreed to this! It really is a strange one.

Something just don't sound right to me.

The Ba-Bas games are broadcast on ESPN - even here in the Caribbean - that's a pretty big deal in itself. That audience is massive, all along the East coast of the US.

To that audience, they'll see what they consider the best. Whilst they might not realise Sam doesn't actually play that sport normally, it says a lot about why he was picked.

No my friend. Sam has been picked us there is certain people in RU who want to turn his head! Just look at this as a new method from Rugby Union to hurt Rugby League!

Do you not think the RFU will be all over Sam this week? I bet the RFU are already lining up people for Sam to meet.

Obviously the clause was out in place to keep him at Wigan for at least the next 3 years but then Wigan make a mockery of the clause and let him play union.

Very strange.

Quote ="St pete"I find it really strange that Wigan have agreed to this! It really is a strange one. Something just don't sound right to me.'" Not just Wigan RLFC, the RFL are also delighted with this: www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 626&type=1 Quote RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood believes the selection of Sam Tomkins by the rugby union Barbarians testifies to Rugby League's proud track record of developing skilful, world class athletes.'" Quote "It's obvious to even the most casual of observers why union continues to covet Rugby League players whose sheer athleticism and outstanding skills with ball in hand make them extremely attractive to the other code of rugby. "Sam's selection underlines that imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. Both Sam and Rugby League should feel flattered."'"

Quote ="St pete"I find it really strange that Wigan have agreed to this! It really is a strange one. Something just don't sound right to me.'" Not just Wigan RLFC, the RFL are also delighted with this: www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 626&type=1 Quote RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood believes the selection of Sam Tomkins by the rugby union Barbarians testifies to Rugby League's proud track record of developing skilful, world class athletes.'" Quote "It's obvious to even the most casual of observers why union continues to covet Rugby League players whose sheer athleticism and outstanding skills with ball in hand make them extremely attractive to the other code of rugby. "Sam's selection underlines that imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. Both Sam and Rugby League should feel flattered."'"

this to me looks like a good thing for the RFU.

they get to see Sam in whats basically a "trial match" for him, and can assess whether or not he can adapt.

if he has a stinker (like on saturday) his RU value will plummet........so lets hope he plays bad, and tbh ive always thought RU wouldnt suit him

Did Wigan winning the Middlesex 7's in style make Union fans and media cream over League?

Tomkins could have a blinder and it wont make a difference. The majority of Union folk hate Rugby League. The media despise it.

The RFL's response is a joke and shows what a spineless organisation they really are.

Quote ="MattyB"Not just Wigan RLFC, the RFL are also delighted with this: www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 626&type=1 '" I can't believe the RFL think it's great. It's one step closer to losing another of our best players.

Quote ="MattyB"Not just Wigan RLFC, the RFL are also delighted with this: www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 626&type=1 '" I can't believe the RFL think it's great. It's one step closer to losing another of our best players.