Sam Tomkins has become a household name in the south of France after making the move to Catalans Dragons.
After a mediocre second spell with Wigan Warriors, the fullback signed for Steve McNamara’s side in a bid to help rejuvenate the French club and propel them to silverware glory.
Now, though, Tomkins will take to the field in the first French derby as Toulouse Olympique come to the Stade Gilbert Brutus tonight.
And, for the 33-year-old, he is ‘desperate’ to see them stay in Super League.
“As soon as Toulouse got into Super League it was spoken about being the first French derby,” Tomkins told Sky Sports.
“I’m desperate for Toulouse to stay in Super League and to be successful because I know what the next generation of Dragons and Toulouse players could experience what I experienced in Wigan.
“I’m hopeful that Toulouse can stay in the league so the derby can become as historic and fierce ferocious as Wigan-Saints.
The Catalans fullback revealed just what he feels makes the Dragons fans special to him and the players.
‘They make a real carnival atmosphere every time we play and certainly for big games.
“This year they have their first ever French rivalry, so we will be experiencing not only our crazy fans but those travelling down from Toulouse too.”