Tomkins set to return against Warrington

Sam Tomkins is on course to make his long-awaited return when Wigan travel to Warrington in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter-final.

The 28-year-old full-back was expected to be back in action around April, but his rehabilitation from a broken right foot suffered last September has encountered numerous setbacks.

However, after further surgery, the England international looks to have finally made a full recovery and is expected to play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium this weekend.

“The way he’s been in training has been unbelievable,” said Wigan head coach Shaun Wane.

“He has been in a shocking place. These lads are born to play and whack each other and be physical each week. That’s all they’ve ever done. When you tell them they can’t play for 12 months it’s hard.

“He was ready to go three months ago but then had a setback. It’s been tough for him mentally but he’s just desperate to play. That’s his life. Now he can see the end of the road and he’s in a great mood.”

Since returning to the Warriors as the club’s marquee signing ahead of 2016, Tomkins has played just 16 times and will hope he can stay injury free for the remainder of this season.

Before leaving the DW Stadium for the NRL, the Wigan St Pats junior scored an incredible 144 tries in 151 games for the cherry and whites and was named the 2012 Steve Prescott Man of Steel.

Tomkins will now hope he can have a strong end to the season and force his way into Wayne Bennett’s England squad for the 2017 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.