Sam Tomkins return labelled a ‘gamble’ by former Sky pundit

Sam Tomkins has made a remarkable return to rugby league, signing with Catalans Dragons until the end of the season – despite retiring last year.

He made his first appearance since the Grand Final last year in a 24-16 victory over Hull FC at the weekend, scoring a try.

He’s never without controversy, with many opposition fans unhappy with him often speaking to the referee, but his performance looked good, despite clearly not quite being fully fit.

His appearance meant Arthur Mourgue moved into the halves.

Speaking about the move shortly the day before this game, Eddie Hemmings and Mike Stephenson (Eddie & Stevo) gave their thoughts on the move in a podcast episode.

Discussing whether it was a gamble for Catalans, Stevo said: “I’m afraid it is. I think that the coach McNamara, he’ll be delighted to be able to perhaps rely on someone who has done a good job for him over the years.

“It may also be a little bit of a boost PR-wise in trying to impress upon the fans that ‘look we may not have been playing as well as we have done over the last two or three years but I’m bringing back the star Sam Tomkins’.

“Sometimes doing something like this is not only good for the team but it’s also good for the fans.”

Sam Tomkins ‘ knee problems a worry for Catalans?

After the game, Sam Tomkins said on Sky Sports that his knee had held up, but Eddie said: “We remember seeing him throughout 2023 favouring the other leg, the knee was all heavily strapped up.

“I mean, it’s different wandering around Catalans and getting on a plane and doing your Sky Sports stuff than actually training and going hell for leather for 80 minutes. He’s 35 years old, for goodness sake, he’s 36 next March.”

Stevo agreed, but noted his ability adding: “Yeah, it’s not going to be easy but McNamara is taking that gamble so that he can move the present full-back into the half-back position because the scrum half and the standoff have been the biggest problem for Catalan this year.

“McNamara wants a little bit more explosive talent in the two areas which every rugby league team has to have good players and they’re the two halfbacks and they have not been firing as they should.”

He’s one of the best fullbacks in Super League history, with Man of Steel awards coming nine years apart in 2012 and 2021, and his numerous team and individual accolades make him a player that may well be worth the risk, even now.