It probably is equally worthless.... at the end of the day Wigan have shoved a new and improved contract infront of sam... of course he is going to sign it and say all the right things.

IL needed some leverage like this to counter the Saracens partnership and Joels departure.

I would guess that's exactly what Wigan/IL were aiming for. Releasing all three pieces of news at once.

Its not there is clauses in the new contract and most likely big financial penalties for any contact int he first 3 years and then transfer fees after that although we will never knwo the full details but we know no contact with SL/NRL/RU is allowed in the first 3 years

Great news, here for 3 more years at least

My understanding is that Mr. Tomkins cannot speak or have his agent speak on his behalf to see what deals are available in RU or NRL, and if said clubs are interested in him, they must go through the club first to check his availability. If Mr. Tomkins was to go searching for a RU deal before the end of the period set by Mr. Lenegan and Wigan Football Club, then he would be in breach of contract and in big trouble from a legal perspective.

'tapping players up' is also illegal in football...... but everyone knows it goes on.

if a club comes to wigan with a decent offer and sam says he wants to go..... he will hardly 'be in trouble from a legal perspective'.

i hope he does stay in RL for another 3 years.... I don't think he will if Joel goes well at saracens though.

This was on a Wish FM reporters Twitter just now -

Kelly_TowerFM Kelly O'Donnell
So that Joel Tomkins news...Sam told me he proposed to his girlfriend y'day. She's a big reason he's moving so MASSIVE CONGRATS to them

Sam proposed or Joel?

Good question, I'll tweet her!

Obv Joel seeing as Joel is moving

If she's a big reason he's moving I presume she means Joel and that his missus is a southerner.

https://twitter.com/#!/DaveWoodsSport/s ... 9353819136 Quote Sam Tomkins, Ian lenagan and Ryan Hall all live on 5live tonight, 10pm.'"

https://twitter.com/#!/DaveWoodsSport/s ... 9353819136 Quote Sam Tomkins, Ian lenagan and Ryan Hall all live on 5live tonight, 10pm.'"

Interview with Sam. www.itv.com/granada/ Credit to Bilko on Twitter for the link.

Interview with Sam. www.itv.com/granada/ Credit to Bilko on Twitter for the link.

Im sorry but its clear in that interview hes already thinking about three years time and wants to go

I make love to a pan of Lobbies as I can't get a girlfriend.

He will go in 3 years, I have no doubts about that. However, from what I have read, he will me here for a MINIMUM of 3 years and there is no way out of it.

Lets hope we can work on keeping him in 3 years time. The RFL need to help us out.

The thing is we are competing with RU so the wages of international players should be comparable

They were viewing houses to buy in Gathurst together a few weeks ago so can't imagine it's that big a reason. £££

Quote ="LovesToSpooge"Interview with Sam. www.itv.com/granada/ Credit to Bilko on Twitter for the link.'" but no credit to whoever wrote this "Joel Tomkins joined rugby union's Saracens, the Aviva Premiership club paying £250,000 to secure the player and convince him to switch codes. But Warriors were able to soften the blow by securing a new contract for fullback Joel Tomkins, " make your mind up.....or check what your writing

Quote ="LovesToSpooge"Interview with Sam. www.itv.com/granada/ Credit to Bilko on Twitter for the link.'" but no credit to whoever wrote this "Joel Tomkins joined rugby union's Saracens, the Aviva Premiership club paying £250,000 to secure the player and convince him to switch codes. But Warriors were able to soften the blow by securing a new contract for fullback Joel Tomkins, " make your mind up.....or check what your writing

Enjoy your last few minutes on this board.

I'm sure you'll be binned very shortly!

I have to say I think it's absolutely fantastic news as a rugby league fan to see that one of the most exciting prospects in any sport kept in the game. Regardless of the club he plays it, it's an important move for RL in England to secure these players.

As a Saints fan I cried in the corner for 15 minutes before burning a Brigantes flag and violating a meat and potato pie.

He may be under a lot of pressure at the moment, but even being charitable there's a quote from Lenegan on the BBC that is just ridiculous:

[urlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15625039.stm[/url

"I am confident that, for the right person, we are able to offer a more attractive package than any club in either code"

Do you want to try to explain away this one Andy?

I am pleased he is staying in Rugby League, Sam is a class player and we need plenty more like him.