Tomkins excited by new chapter

James Gordon

Sam Tomkins says he is massively looking forward to starting a new chapter in his career, after being unveiled by the New Zealand Warriors.

Tomkins, 24, has moved to the NRL in a big money deal from Wigan, with who he won Challenge Cup and Super League winners medals last season.

The five-time Super League Dream Team pick becomes the latest in a line of England internationals to move Down Under, following the likes of the Burgess brothers and James Graham.

He told Warriors TV: “I’m starting a new chapter in my life and one I’m massively looking forward to.

“When I first decided I wanted to come to the NRL, there wasn’t a team I decided on, but soon after I’d met Wayne (Scurrah) and Dean (Bell), I realised the Warriors was a great place for me.

“People have mentioned when you come to the NRL you get scrutinised a bit more as there’s a much bigger fan base than in Super League, but that’s not something I’m particularly worried about.

“In the NRL, every single week is a big game. In Super League, you can look at the fixtures and see if you’ve got a tough month or an easy month.”

Tomkins will go head-to-head with New Zealand international full-back Kevin Locke for the full-back jersey at the Warriors, but could also slot in at stand-off.

He added: “I enjoy playing both positions. If I move to six, then that’s fine by me. I used to practice at one or six at Wigan, I started off at six, played international at six, so either of those positions I’m suited to.”

The Warriors open the NRL season with a game against Parramatta at Pirtek Stadium on Sunday March 9.