The Sky Sports pundits were shocked seeing the news that Sam Tomkins has returned to Catalans Dragons – despite retiring after the 2023 season.
The news broke last night, shocking much of the rugby league world, as Tomkins – who finished his career with Catalans Dragons after losing the Grand Final to former side Wigan Warriors – seemed to be settling into post-playing life.
Indeed, he had a role as a Sky Sports pundit.
During coverage of St Helens vs Warrington Wolves, St Helens and England star Jodie Cunningham said:Â “That is breaking news. That is one that I absolutely didn’t expect.
“Talking to Sam, it wasn’t something he spoke about necessarily missing in terms of the training and the constant physicality of his game so it is surprising for me.
“It’s exciting to see what he’s going to do now when he takes to the field for Catalans. There’s been a lot of disruption and a lot of change there, so let’s see what he can do.”
Brian Carney added: “We’re obviously very close with Sam and he trusts us all because he told nobody!”
Jon Wilkin: Sam Tomkins is “mental”
Credit: Imago Images
Jon Wilkin was amazed by the news, saying: “I think it was about two months ago, he said that his wife had laid the law down and said that he’d got in that bad a condition that he’s going to have to start training. We didn’t know that would result in him coming out of retirement.
“I think he’s mental. I think he’s crazy but good on him. Good on him.
“To come into a Catalans team that has struggled so much, obviously Sam would always be the answer, but I can’t even get inside the mentality to do that.”
Steve McNamara said in the press release, which was quoted by Brian Carney: “With the time he’s had to rest, rehab and freshen up, Sam has looked outstanding when joining in our training sessions.
“From a simple question about how he feels about playing again, the flame was lit. I’ve never seen him as excited as this before. Witnessing him both physically and mentally, it was a no-brainer for us to register him we’re adding a great player and a true leader to our team for the rest of 2024.”
Jodie Cunningham then added: “I think that ship needs steadying, Sam might be the man to do that.”
Jon Wilkin agreed, saying: “The influence that he had on that team in terms of directing players, he’s a tactical genius and I’ll be interested to see how it goes.”
