Mitchell Pearce hails ‘world class’ team-mate Sam Tomkins

Josh McAllister
Mitchell Pearce

Catalans Dragons new star signing Mitchell Pearce has praised team-mate Sam Tomkins as ‘world class’. 

Mitchell Pearce makes his competitive debut for the Dragons in the Super League opener against St Helens.

He is named alongside Josh Drinkwater in the halves, while Sam Tomkins starts at full-back. 

Steve McNamara’s side travel to the Totally Wicked Stadium for the first game of the season. It is also a repeat of the 2021 Grand Final. 

Mitchell Pearce thrilled to combine with Sam Tomkins

Pearce has expressed his excitement to share a field with Sam Tomkins, who won last year’s Steve Prescott Man of Steel award.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pearce said: “I was really excited to obviously come over and meet all the boys but obviously watching Sam from afar last year and how good a footy player he is, I was keen to play alongside him.

“As a bloke, he has been really helpful since I’ve been here taking me under the wing, you could call it. He’s not a bad fella!”

When asked how he compares with the best in the NRL by presenter Jenna Brooks, Pearce replied: “Sam is right up there.

“He’s right up there, obviously world class. All those full-backs bring different strengths. Biggest thing that has impressed me about Sam is his footy brain.

“You know that some of those full-backs you spoke about are great individual players, but Sam’s a great talker and thinker of the game as well.”

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Super League season starts with a bang

Catalans forward Gil Dudson was shown a yellow card within the first tackle of the new Super League season.

The Welsh international front rower was sent to the bin on the first tackle by official Liam Moore.

Advised by linesman Robert Hickes, Moore sent Gil Dudson to the bin for striking.

The forward reacted to a strong tackle from Joe Batchelor and new St Helens signing Konrad Hurrell. It sparked a quick coming together of the two sides, which left Dudson with a scratch under his eye.

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