Sam Tomkins addresses Steve McNamara’s next steps and Leeds Rhinos’ prospects

Sam Tomkins confirmed Steve McNamara’s Catalans Dragons’ exit and he’s now addressed reports linking the coach to Leeds Rhinos.

Reports of Catalans parting ways with McNamara came on Tuesday but no official confirmation has come from the French club, despite star man Sam Tomkins confirming the news of Sky Sports News on Wednesday.

Appearing on The Rugby League Verdict, Tomkins revealed how the former England head coach’s exit came about and how the players were told.

He explained: “It was pretty quick really. We went into the club as normal for our 8am meeting and Steve came in and said that he’d had a meeting before that the club had made the decision to let him go as head coach.

“It was pretty tough, we didn’t see it coming first thing in the morning but given the defeat last week to St Helens, the club have obviously thought about that.”

The 40-0 loss to St Helens was a tough one to take in what has been a tough past 18 months, but Tomkins argued that McNamara will have plenty of suitors as he outlined his record.

“He’s obviously going to be in demand,” Tomkins said, adding: “I think Steve’s CV talks for itself. He’s been an international coach, an assistant in the NRL at two different clubs and let’s not judge Steve on the last ten games of Super League.”

Catalans Dragons star gives verdict on Steve McNamara’s future amid Leeds Rhinos’ links

Tomkins continued his defence of McNamara and spoke on where the head coach could end up next, even suggesting a transition to rugby union as an option as many other rugby league coaches have done.

The 36-year-old said: “He’s been at this club for eight years and taken them from a Million Pound Game and as a club that had made one final in 10 or 11 years, and in the last eight years he’s made us consistent for a long time.

“He’s won a trophy in the Challenge Cup, two Grand Finals (appearances), a League Leaders Shield, so I imagine there’s a lot of people that would be looking to take Steve on, rugby league and rugby union, but I don’t know.”

The full-back, who is currently out injured with a knee issue, was also asked about the links to Leeds Rhinos with suggestions that McNamara will join the club in 2026 after current coach Brad Arthur’s contract expires.

“No, I’m the same as everybody else,” Tomkins responded, explaining that he was unaware of any truth to the story.

“I’ve heard the rumours but I’ve not had that conversation with Steve. I’ve heard the rumours about Leeds but it’s certainly nothing that I know any more about other than rumours.”

Giving his final verdict, Tomkins said: “Like I say, he’s a real good bloke and a good coach but at the moment, he’s not the fit for us. Clearly the club have decided we need a change but whoever does pick him up will be very happy with what they get.”

It’s expected that Tomkins’ brother Joel will lead Catalans in their game against Wigan Warriors this weekend.