Do you think he could cut it in the NRL? People are comparing him to Slater............. I think he's good in an average competition..... He's got less pace than Slater and thats the only real downfall I can see of him compared to Slater, I'm sure we'll find out in the 4 nations

He'd cut it in the Nrl but at the moment he's not a patch on Slater, no fb is.

Slater is doing well defensively, but this year seems a touch slower than in the past for some reason.

The NRL is not really his style imo. Aside from Marhsall I canlt think of anyone as off the cuff in the NRL as Tomkins is. It wouldn't go down well with the structured style of play of most teams. Even Slater plays a very structured game, after watching the Storm for years I could just about script when and where he will pop up for a set play.

Warriors or Wests are probably the only teams he would fit well into.

Send the script on a postcard to:

The Other Clubs
NRL
Australia


Cos they don't seem to be able to read it.

Its like people suggesting that NSW could easily stop the 'obvious' inside ball to Slater in Origin. Yes, they play it a lot. The reason is they dio it very well and it works. If it didn't, they'd stop doing it.

To start with its not Tonkins or Tompkins, and although I think Slater is probably the greatest fb in the world today and maybe ever, I dont think Sam is too far behind, especially as an attacking threat. As far as potential, he'd wipe the floor with anyone else including Billy in World Rugby, (Union or League). See what he is today as a 22 year old - 5/2 to win the lance Todd trophy - theres another 33 very capable players on the pitch including Finch, Banderus, Sinfield, Peacock, Tommy L etc. Sam has to go to the NRL in the future to prove himself, but for the next few years, lets hope he stays a Warrior.

On potential, Tomkins would wipe the floor with anyone?

Boy, he had better show something this Four Nations then.

How do you guys rate him againts Jarryd Hayne?

Bad comparison, Hayne has been poor in a poor side this season. His shift to 6 has been so-so.

Warriors FB Locke/ Broncs FB Winterstein are the ones to watch.

Jarryd does not feel comfortable at 5/8ths whereas this may be Sams best position. A case of the solid vs the stringy, but both have fantastic futures, and, I didnt release Jarryd was so young.

Winterstein isnt even first choice at Broncos, Hoffman has been superb.

Exactly, until you have done it at rep level you haven't earnt the right to be classed as the best imo.

It doesn't help when moronic England fans can't see past petty club rivalries and support him.

Slater is a genius, a legend, but he does have a tendancy to fall to bits in finals and big games.

In answer to the OP/ I believe anyone that has played for England or GB can easily play in the NRL.

Easily play nrl is correct but be a top player, never mind the best is a big ask.

Tomkins lacks the intensity of the nrl right now.

I dont think Tomkins would get into many NRL teams as a fullback just because his defense is pretty weak, admittedly it has come on leaps and bounds over the last year or so but if he was to be stuck in at 5/8 i can see him been a good signing for quite a few teams.

Bang on.

I can think of a lot of GB/England players who would sink without trace in the NRL. From my own side Franny Cummins, Andy Hay, Ryan Sheridan - none would have even been regulars in Australia.

As for Tomkins, I think he could go well in the NRL, although I'm not sure eaxctly what his best position would be. He'd certainly be targeted by far better kicking games than he usually is in England, and against better organised defences some of his plays which in England cause chaos would simply not come off.

I'll support him fully when he plays for England though. From that point of view I'd like to see him try the NRL. In any event I hope he doesn;t go to union.

I dont think he'd cut it in the NRL or in Union, he should stick to Wigan for the next 15 years.

He'd be a bit above average in the NRL. If he goes young and gets a few seasons under his belt he could be a world-beater though.

I wouldn't take him right now, think a lot of Wigan and SL fans are delusional about the blokes talents.

There's only one way to find out if he'd be good here.

i would love him to go to the NRL ,,,, and get smashed every week he's the best we have over here but over there like many of you have said just above average

I heard the exact same thing said about Ellis and he has gone well. As long as he can catch a bomb and chime into the line to take a reverse pass in the middle then he will have the attributes of a star NRL fullback.

The full back position is probably the most talented and strong position in Aussie RL. He definately wouldn't start ahead of:
Billy Slater, Melbourne
Brett Stewart, Manly
Darius Boyd, Saints
Kevin Locke, New Zealand
Matt Bowen, North Queensland
Kurt Gidley, Newcastle
Nathan Merrit, Souths
Ben Barba, Canterbury
Anthony Minichiello, Sydney
Lachlane Coote, Penrith
Jarryd Hayne, Para (although he has been playing 6)
Josh Dugan, Canberra

Would he get in ahead of the others i've not even mentioned? Possibly; possibly not.

He's a great broken/open field runner. He's extremely dangerous near the try-line. He has good hands and stays calm under the high ball. His defence is only okay. His decision making is naive and raw. His passing is poor. He is a bit of a 5h!t. Overall he is an exciting, dangerous, okay RL player.