Is the one code of Rugby coming closer ?.
Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins could play for the Barbarians against the Wallabies at Twickenham on Saturday, just a week after playing for England's rugby league side against the Kangaroos.
The 22-year-old Tomkins recently pledged his future to rugby league, ruling out the prospect of following older brother Joel to Saracens by signing a pledge not to talk to rugby union clubs for at least the next three years
Barbarians team manager Alan Evans has revealed that talks are under way with Wigan for Tomkins to make a one-off appearance in the Killik Cup match against Australia, live on Sky Sports HD1.
"It's a possibility," he said. "Over the years we've brought some rugby league players into the Barbarians, some of whom were already on their way into rugby union, people like Sonny Bill Williams and Wendell Sailor, so a precedent has been set.
"I can confirm that we've had talks with Wigan and we hope to resolve it in the next 24 hours."
Tomkins, one of rugby league's brightest stars, was in the England team that lost 30-8 to Australia in Saturday's Gillette Four Nations final at Elland Road.
Ba Ba Sam
posted on 20/11/11
Wigan should tell the Barbarians to shove it....
posted on 20/11/11
Well not a league fan here but whats the point of chasing this kid. Surly the baabaas' have plenty of options its a bit over the top.
posted on 21/11/11
But have they DingBat.....it was only a month ago your union mob were chasing for Sam's signature on a union contract along with his brother...???
It appears the nursery is drying up some-what...
posted on 21/11/11
Rabbit
You do hang around the Union board quite a bit mate. Closest fan me thinks...
To be quite frank its not my Union who are chasing this kid. The least you could do is get that right. Seems to be a push from within the RFU in England to get this guy. As i don't watch League I don't know anything about him. So is he that good?
Always a risk moving from League to Union. Its a massive step up. Steep Learning curve, so if hes good i guess its good to get him early. But no room for Boys in tight shorts here eh Rabbit
posted on 21/11/11
Sorry Ding, I'm not taking the bait....we all know watching a sport that scores 6 - 7 tries a game is better then one that might manage 1 - 2.......
posted on 21/11/11
Rabbit
you should watch the Heineken cup, hell just watch the highlights.
I guess thats the argument for League. Lots of tries.
Nothing against that to be fair. Just grew up playing one game so why would the other be of any interest.
Anyway back to my Question: Is this kid so good to warrant such head-hunting? Seriously, i don't know him im looking to you League boys for an answer on that.
posted on 21/11/11
After watching him under the high ball last Sat. night I would have to say no he is not worth all the news......but one ordinary game doesn't make a winter and he has got some terrific individual skills.
I've seen quite a few Aussie player jump ship half way through a career and can only say it was successful on about 25% of the time one way or the other..
I think the youngsters of today will make the change easier because they seem to play both codes in their junior playing days......cheers Ding..
posted on 21/11/11
Rabbit
"I've seen quite a few Aussie player jump ship half way through a career and can only say it was successful on about 25% of the time one way or the other.."
Ye spot on few notable exceptions of course, but its by no means an easy transition. The ruck rules always seem to be the first area where they struggle.
And of course not forgetting that in union we can count to more then 6....
Sry mate a parting shot there, below the belt... but in good humour
posted on 21/11/11
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