Tomkins to leave NZ Warriors
New Zealand Warriors have confirmed that full-back Sam Tomkins is to be released from his contract a year early.
He will therefore leave the club at the end of the current season, with homesickness suggested as one of the reasons for the early end to his spell.
The Warriors have moved quickly to replace the England international, confirming that Kiwi star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck wil be joining the club ready for the start of the 2016 campaign.
“He came here excited about testing himself in the NRL and also experiencing living in a new country but, in the end, Sam has found it too much of a challenge being away from home,” said Warriors managing director Jim Doyle.
“While we have talked with him and tried to work through it he has now come back to us to ask for a release at the end of the season.
“It’s disappointing that it has come to this but reluctantly we have accepted there is no option but to allow Sam to return to England.
“For now, though, he is determined to finish his time with the Vodafone Warriors in the best way he can. He’s working to recover from his knee injury as soon as possible so he can regain his spot in the team.”
Tomkins’s former club Wigan have the first option to sign him, once he returns to Super League.
“I never imagined it would reach this point,” he said.
“This is a great club and I can’t say enough about the coaching staff. I love being with the lads and it’s a brilliant country to live in but I can only be honest and say I miss home in ways I never thought I would.
“I’m truly grateful to the Vodafone Warriors for agreeing to give me an early release and I am so determined to repay them for their consideration. All I want now is to get back out on the field to help us have a great season.”
Warriors coach Andew McFadden was looking forward to working with Tuivasa-Sheck next season.
“He’s a wonderful talent and a fantastic signing,” he said.
“He’s still only 21 and has already made a real mark in the NRL and also for the Kiwis. To be able to bring a New Zealander back to our club from Australia is massive for us.
“While we’re naturally thrilled and Roger is just as excited about coming home, we both have the same focus for the rest of the year. He’s solely interested in doing all he can for the Roosters just as we know Sam wants to do the same for us.”