View source for Sam Tomkins

{{not to be confused with|Sam Tompkins}}
{{update|date=August 2023|in depth information since 2014}}
{{short description|England international rugby league footballer}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox person
|name           = Sam Tomkins<ref>{{ESPNscrum | 155095 | Sam Tomkins}}</ref>
|fullname       = 
|image          = Sam Tomkins.png
|image_size     = 
|retired        = 
| module        = {{infobox rugby league biography
| embed         = yes
|position       = {{rlp|FB|SO}}
|birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1989|3|23}}
|birth_place    = [[Milton Keynes]], England
| height        = {{convert|5|ft|11|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWTomkins">{{cite web|title=1. Sam Tomkins|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WPlayerP.aspx?id=6|work=Wigan Warriors|access-date=3 July 2011|archive-date=20 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320130252/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WPlayerP.aspx?id=6|url-status=live}}</ref>
| weight        = {{convert|13|st|1|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWTomkins" />
|club1          = [[Wigan Warriors]]
|year1start     = 2008
|year1end       = 13
|appearances1   = 152
|tries1         = 144
|goals1         = 35
|fieldgoals1    = 2
|points1        = 648
|club2          = {{nowrap|[[New Zealand Warriors]]}}
|year2start     = 2014
|year2end       = 15
|appearances2   = 37
|tries2         = 14
|goals2         = 0
|fieldgoals2    = 0
|points2        = 56
|club3          = [[Wigan Warriors]]
|year3start     = 2016
|year3end       = 18
|appearances3   = 61
|tries3         = 24
|goals3         = 101
|fieldgoals3    = 8
|points3        = 306
|club4          = [[Catalans Dragons]]
|year4start     = 2019
|year4end       = 23
|appearances4   = 104
|tries4         = 33
|goals4         = 139
|fieldgoals4    = 6
|points4        = 416
|club5          = [[Catalans Dragons]]
|year5start     = 2024
|year5end       = present
|appearances5   = 10
|tries5         = 7
|goals5         = 12
|fieldgoals5    = 0
|points5        = 52
|teamA          = [[England national rugby league team|England]]
|yearAstart     = 2009
|yearAend       = 22
|appearancesA   = 29
|triesA         = 18
|goalsA         = 1
|fieldgoalsA    = 0
|pointsA        = 74
|ru_position    = [[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]
|ru_teamA       = [[Barbarians F.C.]]
|ru_yearAstart  = 2011
|ru_yearAend    =
|ru_appearancesA= 1
|ru_triesA      = 1
|ru_goalsA      = 0
|ru_fieldgoalsA = 0
|ru_pointsA     = 5
|coachyear1start     = 
|coachyear1end       = 
|coachgames1         = 
|coachwins1          = 
|coachdraws1         = 
|coachlosses1        = 
|coachteamA          = 
|coachyearAstart     = 
|coachyearAend       = 
|coachgamesA         = 
|coachwinsA          = 
|coachdrawsA         = 
|coachlossesA        = 
|new            = yes
|source         = <ref name="Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/sam-tomkins/summary.html|title=Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org|publisher=rugbyleagueproject.org|date=31 December 2017|access-date=1 January 2018|archive-date=8 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208193034/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/sam-tomkins/summary.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.warriors.co.nz/team/profiles/sam_tomkins.html Player Profile] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407035449/http://www.warriors.co.nz/team/profiles/sam_tomkins.html |date=7 April 2015 }} ''warriors.co.nz''</ref><ref>{{Rugby league records|title=Sam Tomkins|id=3233|access-date=11 October 2022}}</ref>
|updated = 14 October 2023
}}
| father       = 
| mother       = 
| spouse       = 
| education    = 
| alma_mater   = 
| relatives    = [[Joel Tomkins]] (brother)<br>[[Logan Tomkins]] (brother)
}}

'''Sam Tomkins''' (born 23 March 1989) is a professional [[rugby league]] analyst for [[Sky Sports]] and professional player, after coming out of retirement to finish the [[2024 Super League season|2024 season]] with [[Catalans Dragons]] in the [[Super League]], (the club he had initially retired) following the end of [[2023 Super League season|2023 season]]. On 4 September 2024, He was announced as the new Team Manager of the [[England national rugby league team]], working behind the scenes for coach [[Shaun Wane]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-04 |title=England v Samoa: Sam Tomkins named England team manager |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/articles/cly97zejw2do |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Tomkins, a product of the [[Wigan Warriors]] academy, played as a {{rlp|fb}} and occasional {{rlp|so}}, across two stints for the Warriors as well as his time at Catalans Dragons. In addition, he also played two seasons in the [[National Rugby League|NRL]] for [[New Zealand Warriors]].

He is the two time [[Man of Steel Awards|Man of Steel]], earning the title in 2012 and 2021.

He won three Super League Grand Finals with the [[Wigan Warriors]] in [[2010 Super League Grand Final|2010]], [[2013 Super League Grand Final|2013]], and [[2018 Super League Grand Final|2018]], as well as two Challenge Cup finals in [[2011 Challenge Cup|2011]] and [[2013 Challenge Cup|2013]].

== Early life ==
Tomkins was born on 23 March 1989 in [[Milton Keynes]], Buckinghamshire, England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://englandrl.co.uk/squads/england-men/57|title=Sam Tomkins|publisher=England Rugby League|access-date=2 July 2011|archive-date=15 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815174304/http://englandrl.co.uk/squads/england-men/57|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the birth of Sam's older brother [[Joel Tomkins|Joel]] in [[Warrington]], the family had moved to Milton Keynes due to his father's work.<ref name="TomkinsELSL">{{cite news|last=Laybourn|first=Ian|title=Milton Keynes makes its mark|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/09/09/15/RUGBYL_Column.html|access-date=2 July 2011|newspaper=Sporting Life}}</ref> In the early 1990s, his family returned to the [[North West England |North West]], to [[Chorley]], where his younger brother Logan was born.<ref name="TomkinsELSL" /> Tomkins' first experience of rugby league came when he was seven years old, after his father introduced both Sam and Joel to the Chorley Panthers ARLFC.<ref name="TomkinsEarly">{{cite web|last=Skoyles|first=Chris|title=Interview with Sam Tomkins|url=http://www.wlct.org.uk/culture/linconline/samtomkins.htm|work=Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust|access-date=2 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=February 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

By the time Tomkins was nine, both he and his older brother had moved from the Chorley Panthers and were becoming more involved with the amateur [[Wigan St Patricks|Wigan St. Patrick]]'s club, a [[Farm team|feeder team]] for the professional [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] club.<ref name="TomkinsEarly" /><ref name="StPats">{{cite news|last=Christopher|first=Irvine|title=Sam Tomkins ready to run Australia gauntlet|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article6897452.ece|access-date=2 July 2011|newspaper=The Times|date=31 October 2009|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232436/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> To aid their careers, the family decided to move the short distance from Chorley to [[Wigan]], and Tomkins remained playing at the club until his mid-teens.<ref name="TomkinsEarly" /> Reflecting on Tomkins' time at Wigan St. Patrick's, Bill Atherton, the club's chairman, remarked that "you could see there was something special when Sam came up through the club. There has always been something different about him."<ref name="StPats" /> When he was aged twelve, he obtained a place on the Wigan Warriors scholarship scheme, and when he turned sixteen, Tomkins was offered a part-time contract for Wigan Warriors Youth Development club's academy.<ref name="TomkinsEarly" /> By 2007, Tomkins was featuring regularly for the Wigan academy sides. That year, he featured in an under-18s win for the [[England national rugby league team|England Academy]] against [[France national rugby league team|France Cadets]]; his early try helped establish an early England lead before he completed his brace in the second half after a sin-binning for a high tackle.<ref>{{cite web|title=France Cadets 12 England Academy Under 18's 40|url=http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/8188|work=Rugby Football League|access-date=2 July 2011|date=11 July 2007|archive-date=21 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921020425/http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/8188|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the year, Wigan rewarded Tomkins with a full-time contract, giving him the opportunity to train alongside players in the club's first team.<ref name="FTContract">{{cite news|last=Chronnell|first=Liam|title=Warriors invest in their future|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/1877972.warriors_invest_in_their_future|access-date=2 July 2011|newspaper=The Bolton News|date=3 December 2007|archive-date=4 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004234820/http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/1877972.warriors_invest_in_their_future/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Club career ==
===Wigan Warriors===
====Debut season====
When Wigan agreed to release {{rlp|fe}} [[Trent Barrett]] from his contract, the club looked to find a long-term replacement. Tomkins was offered a one-year extension to his own contract, which would keep him at the club until the end of the 2010 season with another year optional.{{cn|date=June 2020}} After signing the extension, Wigan head coach [[Brian Noble (rugby league)|Brian Noble]] commented that Tomkins, along with Wigan teammate [[Mark Flanagan (rugby league)|Mark Flanagan]], "both have the ability to make an impact in Super League in years to come."<ref>{{cite news|last=Hadfield|first=Dave|title=Rovers revel in Dobson's choice as Wigan miss out|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/rovers-revel-in-dobsons-choice-as-wigan-miss-out-822663.html|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=The Independent|date=8 May 2008|archive-date=11 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111161256/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/rovers-revel-in-dobsons-choice-as-wigan-miss-out-822663.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Quote box
|quote  = Trent is one of the world's best players at the moment. Just to play with him is an honour. You pick up so much off him and he's just a great player to play with. Joel was so supportive when I found out I was playing and really tipped me up on what to do – don't try and do too much, nothing silly. He's been a big help.
|source = Sam Tomkins, 14 May 2008, commenting on the influence of Trent Barrett and his brother Joel on his début performance against Whitehaven.<ref name="Whitehaven">{{cite news|title=Warriors sign Riddell|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/warriors_sign_riddell_1_186365|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=14 May 2008|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183624/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/warriors_sign_riddell_1_186365|url-status=live}}</ref>
|width  = 220px
|align  = right
|quoted = 1
}}

A pre-season unofficial friendly match provided Tomkins his first experience against top-flight opposition as he came off the bench during [[Lee Briers]]' [[testimonial match]] in a 22–30 defeat by the [[Warrington Wolves]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Parsons|first=Mike|title=Wolves send Wigan packing in tasty 'friendly'|url=http://www.thisischeshire.co.uk/sport/1962195.wolves_send_wigan_packing_in_tasty_friendly|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=This is Cheshire|date=14 January 2008|archive-date=29 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329115009/http://www.thisischeshire.co.uk/sport/1962195.wolves_send_wigan_packing_in_tasty_friendly/|url-status=live}}</ref> Noble followed this up by providing Tomkins, aged 19, with his first team début on 12 May against [[Whitehaven R.L.F.C.|Whitehaven]] in a fifth round [[2008 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] match.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan v Whitehaven – Teams|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3550758,00.html|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=11 May 2008|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023120946/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3550758,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins became the first player in rugby league history to score five tries on his first-grade début, scoring his first three to complete a [[hat-trick]] within the first twelve minutes, as Wigan scored eighteen tries in total on the way to a 106–8 victory.<ref>{{cite news|last=Burke|first=David|title=Dream début for Sam Tomkins at Wigan|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/2300346/Dream-debut-for-Sam-Tomkins-at-Wigan.html|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=13 May 2008|archive-date=26 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026222429/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/2300346/Dream-debut-for-Sam-Tomkins-at-Wigan.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite this, [[Thomas Leuluai]] replaced Tomkins for the team's next match against Warrington, meaning Tomkins would have to wait for his [[Super League]] début.<ref>{{cite news|last=Burke|first=David|title=Matt King committed to Warrington|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/2300612/Matt-King-committed-to-Warrington.html|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=16 May 2008|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312032140/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/2300612/Matt-King-committed-to-Warrington.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He played out the rest of the 2008 season in the reserves, some of his highlights including a hat-trick against [[Castleford Tigers|Castleford]], and another five-try performance against [[London Broncos#2006–2011: Harlequins Rugby League|Harlequins RL]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Warriors stalemate at jungle|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/warriors_stalemate_at_jungle_1_187775|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=23 June 2008|archive-date=27 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063306/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/warriors_stalemate_at_jungle_1_187775|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Five-star praise for Tomkins|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/five_star_praise_for_tomkins_1_188171|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=2 July 2008|archive-date=27 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063337/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/five_star_praise_for_tomkins_1_188171|url-status=live}}</ref> After scoring four tries against [[Hull F.C.|Hull FC]]'s reserves, Tomkins was tipped to make at least ten Super League appearances in 2009 season by [[Shaun Wane]], Wigan's reserve coach.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tomkins tipped for top|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/tomkins_tipped_for_top_1_189594|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=7 August 2008|archive-date=27 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063348/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/tomkins_tipped_for_top_1_189594|url-status=live}}</ref> He also received an endorsement from [[Ian Lenagan]], the club's chairman, when he said, "I think Sam is going to be a world-class half-back and we want to give him his chance."<ref>{{cite news|title=Lenagan not hunting for stand-off|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/lenagan_not_hunting_for_stand_off_1_192746|access-date=1 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=31 October 2008|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103826/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/lenagan_not_hunting_for_stand_off_1_192746|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins was named Reserve Team Player of the Year at the Wigan inaugural awards evening.<ref name="WWAwards08">{{cite web|title=Warriors Announce Inaugural Winners|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3261&type=news|work=Wigan Warriors|access-date=30 June 2011|date=24 September 2008|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325093115/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3261&type=news|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2009 Tomkins was awarded the Albert Goldthorpe Rookie of the Year Medal.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Albert Goldthorpe Awards|url=http://www.totalrl.com/web/the-albert-goldthorpe-awards-roll-of-honour|work=totalrl.com|publisher=League Publications|access-date=16 February 2014|archive-date=26 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326074057/http://www.totalrl.com/web/the-albert-goldthorpe-awards-roll-of-honour/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== 2009 season ====
The club played Warrington over the 2008 Christmas holidays, as a pre-season friendly to Wigan's 2009 season. Tomkins claimed a hat-trick as the team swept aside a young and inexperienced Warrington side 44–4.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pryce grabs double on Wigan début|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7800544.stm|access-date=1 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=28 December 2008|archive-date=30 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230194356/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7800544.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins also featured in the club's two other fixtures during the pre-season, firstly against [[Huddersfield Giants|Huddersfield]], and then against [[Leigh Centurions|Leigh]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Carmont secures win for Warriors|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/carmont_secures_win_for_warriors_1_195344|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=25 January 2009|archive-date=27 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063443/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/carmont_secures_win_for_warriors_1_195344|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Parkinson|first=David|title=Plenty for Leigh Centurions fans to get their teeth into against Wigan Warriors|url=http://www.leighjournal.co.uk/sport/leighcenturions/4092731.Plenty_for_Leigh_fans_to_get_their_teeth_into|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Leigh Journal|date=1 February 2009|archive-date=23 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323232653/http://www.leighjournal.co.uk/sport/leighcenturions/4092731.Plenty_for_Leigh_fans_to_get_their_teeth_into/|url-status=live}}</ref> For 2009, Tomkins was given the number 25 jersey.<ref>{{cite web|title=Warriors Announce 2009 Squad Numbers|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3566&type=news|work=Wigan Warriors|access-date=3 July 2011|date=21 January 2009|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325093502/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3566&type=news|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Quote box
|quote  = What they bring is an enthusiasm and energy to the squad, and some older players have fed off that. You look at Sam and he's a big threat. It is like, 'Gosh. Look at this kid, he just plays'. That raw energy spills over to other people because the youngsters are happy to be there. There aren't many veterans in the squad, it is a pretty young team. But they've sparked other people up and we've seen that against Harlequins and Bradford.
|source = [[Brian Noble (rugby league)|Brian Noble]] on Tomkins and [[Shaun Ainscough]], 10 March 2009.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lenagan happy with cup draw|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/lenagan_happy_with_cup_draw_1_196796|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=10 March 2009|archive-date=27 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063606/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/lenagan_happy_with_cup_draw_1_196796|url-status=live}}</ref>
|width  = 220px
|align  = left
|quoted = 1
}}
Wigan faced their worst start to a season since 1966 after losing their opening three matches.<ref>{{cite news|title=Noble may ring changes|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/rugby_league/s/1099572_noble_may_ring_changes|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Manchester Evening Post|date=28 February 2009|archive-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112191712/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/rugby_league/s/1099572_noble_may_ring_changes|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins was brought into the squad and came off the bench against Harlequins for his league début during their fourth match of the season. Tomkins made a break early in the second half which allowed [[George Carmont]] to claim the equalising try.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hadfield|first=Dave|title=Roberts steals it for Wigan|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/roberts-steals-it-for-wigan-1634697.html|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=The Independent|date=1 March 2009|archive-date=11 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111162354/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/roberts-steals-it-for-wigan-1634697.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tomkins took [[Tim Smith (rugby league)|Tim Smith]]'s starting place in the team for their next match against [[Bradford Bulls]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Hadfield|first=Dave|title=Noble cause boosted by rout|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/noble-cause-boosted-by-rout-1639719.html|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=The Independent|date=8 March 2009}}</ref> After scoring twice for a [[Brace (sports)|brace]] against [[Salford Red Devils|Salford]], he earned his first league tries.{{cn|date=June 2020}} He also scored in a fourth round cup match against [[Barrow Raiders|Barrow]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Scare for Warriors|url=http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3121084,00.html|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=5 April 2009|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023121504/http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3121084,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For the round 10 fixture against [[Crusaders Rugby League|Celtic Crusaders]], Tomkins was relegated to the bench as Smith made his first start in eight games. However Tomkins came on as a substitute to score his second brace of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hungry Shaun an inspiration|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/hungry_shaun_an_inspiration_1_198261|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=24 April 2009|archive-date=27 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063458/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/hungry_shaun_an_inspiration_1_198261|url-status=live}}</ref>

He also scored the final try of the match in Wigan's fifth round cup win over [[Wakefield Trinity]], and although he was found guilty on a charge of kicking out in the tackle against another player, he escaped a match ban.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wakefield 17–28 Wigan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8037780.stm|access-date=3 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=9 May 2009|archive-date=11 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511233449/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8037780.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tomkins avoids ban|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12215_5313807,00.html|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=12 May 2009|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023121515/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12215_5313807,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With Smith expressing his desire to return home to Australia following the 2009 season, Tomkins was tipped by Lenagan as Wigan's long-term replacement at stand-off.<ref>{{cite news|title=Titans head queue for Smith|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/titans_head_queue_for_smith_1_198846|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=13 May 2009|archive-date=27 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063520/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/titans_head_queue_for_smith_1_198846|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins was named in a train-on squad for [[England national rugby league team|England]]'s friendly [[Test match (rugby league)|test match]] against [[France national rugby league team|France]], although he did not play.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hadfield|first=Dave|title=Tomkins forced out to sidelines|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/tomkins-forced-out-to-sidelines-1703001.html|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=The Independent|date=12 June 2009|archive-date=11 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111162410/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/tomkins-forced-out-to-sidelines-1703001.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was dropped in round 15 for Wigan's match against Salford, but returned off the bench and scored against [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] in round 18.<ref>{{cite news|title=Warriors at the double|url=http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3086347,00.html|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=6 June 2009|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023121528/http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3086347,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Irvine|first=Christopher|title=Sam Tomkins intervention eases Wigan's woes|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article6598050.ece|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=The Times|date=29 June 2009|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232520/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tomkins played every game for Wigan thereafter, except for the final regular round fixture of the season against Huddersfield, until the team were knocked out of the [[Super League play-offs]] by [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Lawrenson|first=David|title=St Helens hold off Wigan to reach third successive Grand Final|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/oct/03/super-league-st-helens-wigan?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|access-date=3 July 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=3 October 2009|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005145325/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/oct/03/super-league-st-helens-wigan?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|url-status=live}}</ref> Included in this run of appearances was a hat-trick and Tomkins' first drop goal against [[Castleford Tigers|Castleford]] in round 25.
[[File:Sam Tomkins.JPG|right|thumb|Sam Tomkins playing against St Helens in 2009]]
In the same year he made his league début, Tomkins was named in the [[Super League Dream Team]] at stand-off, and was also voted by journalists in the [[Rugby League Writers' Association]] as Super League Young Player of the Year.<ref name="DreamTeam09">{{cite web|title=Tomkins in Super League dream team|url=http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=15321|work=Super League|publisher=Rugby Football League|access-date=30 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830064636/http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=15321|archive-date=30 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="SLYPlayer09">{{cite web|title=Giants show their strength|url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=15577|work=Super League|publisher=Rugby Football League|access-date=30 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910173620/http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=15577|archive-date=10 September 2012}}</ref> At the Wigan's own awards evening, he was named Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.<ref name="WWAwards09">{{cite web|title=Tomkins Wins Player of the Year|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=4157&type=news|work=Wigan Warriors|access-date=30 June 2011|date=22 September 2009|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325093136/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=4157&type=news|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins would go on to play for England during the [[2009 Rugby League Four Nations|2009 Four Nations]]. He ended the domestic season with twenty-seven first-grade appearances, twenty-three of which in the league, as well as fifteen tries.<ref name="WWTomkins"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Custom Match List|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NDItNDE5LTktLS0tLS0xMzU2NC0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|work=Rugby League Project|access-date=3 July 2011|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924123716/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NDItNDE5LTktLS0tLS0xMzU2NC0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CWTomkins">{{cite web|title=Sam Tomkins|url=http://wigan.rlfans.com/readarticle.php?article_id=992|work=cherryandwhite.co.uk|access-date=3 July 2011|archive-date=23 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723235653/http://wigan.rlfans.com/readarticle.php?article_id=992|url-status=live}}</ref> In doing this, Tomkins had more than doubled the estimation of ten league games made by Wane during the previous season. He was given a five-year contract from the club.{{cn|date=June 2020}}

==== 2010 season ====
[[file:Sam Tomkins 2010 2.jpg|left|thumb|Tomkins playing for Wigan in 2010]]
Following the play-off loss to St. Helens, Noble announced his departure from the club after not being offered a new contract, and five days later [[Michael Maguire (rugby league)|Michael Maguire]] was revealed as the new head coach of Wigan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coach Noble confirms Wigan exit|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8289045.stm|access-date=4 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=3 October 2009|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232420/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8289045.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Warriors appoint Maguire as coach|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8290706.stm|access-date=4 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=8 October 2009|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232344/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8290706.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In Maguire's 2010 squad, Tomkins' position as Wigan's first choice stand-off was confirmed when he received the number 6 jersey from the departed Smith.<ref>{{cite web|title=Warriors Announce 2010 Squad Numbers|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=4057&type=news|work=Wigan Warriors|access-date=4 July 2011|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325093541/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=4057&type=news|url-status=live}}</ref> The club also signed Wigan-born [[Paul Deacon]] during the pre-season, with the intention of having him mentor Tomkins in an assistant coaching role.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan sign Deacon from Bradford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8363165.stm|access-date=4 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=16 November 2009|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232444/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8363165.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tomkins played in every match of Wigan's 2010 season. He started in three cup matches, scoring hat-tricks against the [[Sheffield Eagles]] and [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]].<ref name="WWTomkins" /><ref name="CWTomkins" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Sheffield Eagles 34–50 Wigan Warriors|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8618419.stm|access-date=5 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=17 April 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232525/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8618419.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Widnes Vikings 10–64 Wigan Warriors|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8659704.stm|access-date=5 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=8 May 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232524/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8659704.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> He also featured in all of Wigan's fixtures of 2010's [[Super League XV]] regular season, with the team finishing top of the league table and winning the [[League Leader's Shield]].<ref name="WWTomkins" /><ref name="CWTomkins" /><ref name="RLPTomkins10">{{cite web|title=Custom Match List|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NDItNzM3LTktLS0tLS0xMzU2NC0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|work=Rugby League Project|access-date=4 July 2011|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924123718/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NDItNzM3LTktLS0tLS0xMzU2NC0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Wigan secure pole position but Pat Richards only equals points record|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/03/wigan-warriors-bradford-bulls-super-league?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|access-date=4 July 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=3 September 2010|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005031012/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/03/wigan-warriors-bradford-bulls-super-league?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|url-status=live}}</ref> By virtue of this the team qualified for the play-offs, in which Tomkins made a further four appearances on the way to Wigan's [[2010 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] victory over St. Helens—the club's first league title since 1998's [[Super League III]], and Tomkins' first honour as a player.<ref name="WWTomkins" /><ref name="CWTomkins" /><ref name="RLPTomkins10" /><ref name="2010GF">{{cite news|last=Scott|first=Ged|title=St Helens 10–22 Wigan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/9037764.stm|access-date=4 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=2 October 2010|archive-date=1 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001215209/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/9037764.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tomkins was played at scrum-half for Wigan's round 12 fixture against Harlequins with [[Sean O'Loughlin]] covering his position at stand-off instead.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan 26–38 Harlequins|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/8632708.stm|access-date=4 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=23 April 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232436/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/8632708.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In round 19, again against Harlequins, Tomkins marked his first league appearance as a {{rlp|fb}} with the game's first score and a try-saving tackle on [[Lamont Bryan]]. The [[Daily Mirror]] reported Maguire as saying, "Sam wanted a go at fullback and played very well. He's a quality kid in any position."<ref>{{cite news|last=Burke|first=David|title=Harlequins 12–36 Wigan: Vuvuzelas ban could not silence Sam Tomkins|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby/2010/06/27/tomkins-tonic-for-wigan-115875-22364120|access-date=4 July 2011|newspaper=Daily Mirror|date=27 June 2010|archive-date=16 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216140825/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby/2010/06/27/tomkins-tonic-for-wigan-115875-22364120/|url-status=live}}</ref> He remained in that position for the rest of the season, including the Grand Final, except for one match against Warrington in round 22 where he was reverted to stand-off again.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilkinson|first=Phil|title=Wigan 16 Warrington 23|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/wigan_16_warrington_23_1_880676|access-date=4 July 2011|newspaper=Wigan Evening Post|date=17 July 2010|archive-date=27 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063654/http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/wigan_16_warrington_23_1_880676|url-status=live}}</ref>

Over 34 total appearances, Tomkins improved on his 2009 record with 21 tries and four goals.<ref name="WWTomkins" /><ref name="CWTomkins" /> In the league, he claimed four braces in total: once as a stand-off against Hull, and three times as a fullback against Salford, Hull again and [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan 48 Hull 24|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/7431710/Wigan-48-Hull-24.html|access-date=4 July 2011|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=12 March 2010|archive-date=30 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930122414/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/7431710/Wigan-48-Hull-24.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan Warriors 26–27 Leeds Rhinos|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/8980912.stm|access-date=4 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=12 September 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232438/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/8980912.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan 60–10 Salford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/8797565.stm|access-date=4 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=9 July 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232438/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/8797565.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Hull 0 Wigan 46: Hull are floored as rampant Wigan hit them hard|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/hull_0_wigan_46_hull_are_floored_as_rampant_wigan_hit_them_hard_1_2582367|access-date=4 July 2011|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|date=24 July 2010|archive-date=12 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012095826/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/hull_0_wigan_46_hull_are_floored_as_rampant_wigan_hit_them_hard_1_2582367|url-status=live}}</ref> 

He also scored a try in the [[2010 Super League Grand Final]] victory over [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] at [[Old Trafford]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Wigan turn St Helens into sinners with Super League Grand Final win|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/02/wigan-st-helens-grand-final|access-date=21 November 2019|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2 October 2010|archive-date=23 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123150006/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/02/wigan-st-helens-grand-final|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite finishing the season as Wigan's regular fullback, Tomkins maintained his place in the 2010 [[Super League Dream Team]] in the stand-off position. Also in the team was Joel Tomkins at {{rlp|sr}}. This was the first time a Super League Dream Team had featured two brothers.<ref name="DreamTeam10">{{cite web|title=Dream Team captures the excitement of Super League|url=http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=19582|work=Super League|publisher=Rugby Football League|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324014716/http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=19582|archive-date=24 March 2012}}</ref> 

At 2010's [[Super League XV]] awards evening, where his Wigan teammate [[Pat Richards]] was voted by his fellow Super League players as [[Man of Steel Award|Man of Steel]] for having the biggest impact on the season, Tomkins retained his Young Player of the Year title.<ref name="SLYPlayer10">{{cite web|title=Richards crowned Super League Man of Steel|url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=19784|work=Super League|publisher=Rugby Football League|access-date=30 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910173635/http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=19784|archive-date=10 September 2012}}</ref> 

He also received 2010's [[Albert Goldthorpe Medal]] for 'best and fairest' player of the season. He was also named Rookie of the Year by the [[Rugby League International Federation]] during the [[2010 Rugby League Four Nations|2010 Four Nations]], in which he played for England.<ref name="RLIF10">{{cite news|title=Sam Tomkins named international rookie of the year|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9149736.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=3 November 2010|archive-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513200315/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9149736.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2011 season ====
The previous season's transition to fullback was made permanent by the club when Tomkins inherited the number 1 jersey from [[Cameron Phelps]], whose 2010 season was blighted by injury and was not offered a new contract.<ref>{{cite web|title=Warriors Announce 2011 Squad Numbers|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=5431&type=1|work=Wigan Warriors|access-date=6 May 2011|date=23 November 2010|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325093040/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=5431&type=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hadfield|first=Dave|title=Hull hope high-class Phelps cures their back trouble|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/hull-hope-highclass-phelps-cures-their-back-trouble-2209712.html|access-date=5 July 2011|newspaper=The Independent|date=10 February 2011|archive-date=10 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110174824/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/hull-hope-highclass-phelps-cures-their-back-trouble-2209712.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With speculation that Tomkins might move to the [[National Rugby League]] or switch codes to [[rugby union]], Wigan offered him a new five-year contract keeping him at the club until the end of the 2015 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tomkins brothers sign new deals with Wigan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9387994.stm|access-date=5 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=4 February 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232438/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9387994.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Wigan Warriors4 2011.jpg|thumb|left|Sam Tomkins playing in 2011, running at [[Daryl Millard]] of the [[Catalans Dragons]]]]
Tomkins made 34 appearances during the 2011 season: 28 in [[Super League XVI]], 5 in the [[2011 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]], and one in the [[2011 World Club Challenge|World Club Challenge]], in which he scored a drop goal in Wigan's 15–21 loss to the [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]].<ref name="WWTomkins" /><ref name="CWTomkins" /><ref name="RLPTomkins11">{{cite web|title=Custom Match List|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NDItODIwLTktLS0tLS0xMzU2NC0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|work=Rugby League Project|access-date=5 July 2011|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924123720/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NDItODIwLTktLS0tLS0xMzU2NC0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Wigan Warriors make brave attempt but Dragons are still worlds apart|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/feb/27/wigan-st-george-illawarra-world-club-challenge|access-date=7 May 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=27 February 2011|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005112022/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/feb/27/wigan-st-george-illawarra-world-club-challenge|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins received a match ban in round 6, for joining a fight in the previous match against Hull, meaning that for the first time since the final regular round fixture against Huddersfield in 2009, he missed a first-grade match.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/11/03/15/RUGBYL_Disciplinary.html&BID=480|title=Tomkins brothers suspended|date=15 March 2011|work=Sporting Life|location=UK|access-date=30 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Banned Sam and Joel Tomkins will miss Wigan against Huddersfield|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/mar/15/sam-joel-tomkins-wigan-banned|access-date=7 May 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=15 March 2011|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005100030/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/mar/15/sam-joel-tomkins-wigan-banned|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to his involvement for England in the inaugural [[International Origin Match|International Origin]] against the [[Exiles rugby league team|Exiles]], he was also rested for Wigan's away game against Castleford.<ref>{{cite news|title=Castleford 22–22 Wigan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9509138.stm|access-date=5 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=12 July 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9509138.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

His scoring record in 2011 started in the opening round against St Helens in which he kicked a goal but missed a drop goal which would have won the game for Wigan.<ref>{{cite news|last=Scott|first=Ged|title=St Helens 16–16 Wigan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/9393298.stm|access-date=6 May 2011|publisher=BBC|date=12 February 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232439/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/9393298.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> His first try came during Wigan's next game at Bradford.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bradford 10–44 Wigan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/9400211.stm|access-date=7 May 2011|publisher=BBC|date=20 February 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/9400211.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> A match-tying penalty kicked by Tomkins salvaged a draw for Wigan against Leeds.<ref>{{cite news|title=Leeds Rhinos 22–22 Wigan Warriors|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9439007.stm|access-date=7 May 2011|publisher=BBC|date=1 April 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232533/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9439007.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> From 25 April to 4 June, Tomkins scored thirteen tries in seven games for Wigan, including braces against Crusaders and Harlequins in the league and Barrow in the cup, as well as a hat-trick against Hull Kingston Rovers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Sam Tomkins dazzles as Wigan Warriors crush Crusaders|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/01/sam-tomkins-crusaders-wigan-warriors|access-date=5 July 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=1 May 2011|archive-date=4 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004225756/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/01/sam-tomkins-crusaders-wigan-warriors|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan 52–0 Barrow|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9474226.stm|access-date=5 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=8 May 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9474226.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Sam Tomkins and Pat Richards lead Wigan rout of Hull KR|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/30/wigan-warriors-hull-kr-super-league|access-date=5 July 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 May 2011|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005120809/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/30/wigan-warriors-hull-kr-super-league|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his second hat-trick of the season against Huddersfield, taking his career total to six.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan 46–12 Huddersfield|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9517224.stm|access-date=5 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=25 June 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9517224.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In Wigan's fifth round cup win over Bradford, [[Gareth Raynor]]'s high tackle left Tomkins unconscious as he was scoring a try, an incident which ended both Raynor's and Tomkins' involvement in the match due to a [[Ejection (sports)|sending-off]], and a head injury respectively.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bradford 22–26 Wigan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9488522.stm|access-date=5 July 2011|publisher=BBC|date=22 May 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9488522.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite missing part of Wigan's away match to Hull because of a shoulder injury, Tomkins returned from the bench and scored two tries in a 16–30 victory; after the match, ''[[Sky Sports]]'' reported that he had become a "strong favourite" for the season's [[Man of Steel Awards#Man of Steel award|Man of Steel award]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hull FC 16–30 Wigan Warriors|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9547554.stm|access-date=2 August 2011|publisher=BBC|date=29 July 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232630/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9547554.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sam's the man for Maguire|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12215_7077539,00.html|access-date=2 August 2011|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=2 August 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023181503/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12215_7077539,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He followed this up a week later with a try-scoring man of the match performance against St. Helens as Wigan won their first cup semi-final since 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wembley was Wigan Warriors goal – Sam Tomkins|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9558074.stm|access-date=6 August 2011|publisher=BBC|date=6 August 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232532/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9558074.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan Warriors 18–12 St Helens|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9554761.stm|last=Marshall|first=Steve|access-date=6 August 2011|publisher=BBC|date=6 August 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232530/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9554761.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Wigan returned to league action with a win at home to Salford, with Tomkins scoring four tries.{{cn|date=June 2020}} He scored another brace against Bradford in Wigan's last match before the Challenge Cup final.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan 60–12 Bradford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9566110.stm|access-date=20 August 2011|publisher=BBC|date=19 August 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232441/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9566110.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Tomkins played in that final as part of a victorious Wigan team, giving Tomkins his first Challenge Cup honour, although [[Jeff Lima (rugby league)|Jeff Lima]] was given the [[Lance Todd Trophy]] award which Tomkins had been pre-match favourite to win.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Jeff Lima inspires Wigan Warriors to Challenge Cup win over Leeds|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/27/leeds-rhinos-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup|access-date=27 August 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=27 August 2011|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005080904/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/27/leeds-rhinos-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors: Tomkins at shortest odds to win Lance Todd trophy|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos/leeds_rhinos_v_wigan_warriors_tomkins_at_shortest_odds_to_win_lance_todd_trophy_1_3713707|access-date=27 August 2011|newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post|date=25 August 2011|archive-date=27 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827040924/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos/leeds_rhinos_v_wigan_warriors_tomkins_at_shortest_odds_to_win_lance_todd_trophy_1_3713707|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Scott|first=Ged|title=Leeds 18-28 Wigan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/14670204|access-date=21 November 2019|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=27 August 2011|archive-date=20 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220124439/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/14670204|url-status=live}}</ref> After the final, the [[Rugby Football League]] investigated and found Tomkins guilty of an [[obscene gesture]] aimed at fans of the opposing Leeds team, for which he was given a suspended [[Pound sterling|£]]1,000 fine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan's Sam Tomkins punished for gesture at Leeds fans|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/14695413.stm|access-date=7 September 2011|publisher=BBC|date=30 August 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232457/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/14695413|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan's Sam Tomkins found guilty of misconduct after obscene gesture|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/30/sam-tomkins-wigan-guilty-misconduct|access-date=7 September 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 August 2011|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005115147/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/30/sam-tomkins-wigan-guilty-misconduct|url-status=live}}</ref> 

His points tally for Wigan's season totalled 32 tries, five goals, and one drop goal.<ref name="WWTomkins" /><ref name="CWTomkins" /><ref name="RLPTomkins11" /> After the season, he signed a new contract to play for Wigan Warriors, shortly after his brother Joel had agreed to switch codes and play [[rugby union]] for [[Saracens F.C.]]<ref name="2011Contract">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/nov/07/sam-tomkins-joel-wigan-four-nations?newsfeed=true|title=Wigan hand Sam Tomkins huge deal after losing older brother to Saracens|last=Wilson|first=Andy|date=7 November 2011|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=8 November 2011|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005084157/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/nov/07/sam-tomkins-joel-wigan-four-nations?newsfeed=true|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''[[The Guardian]]'', the deal would make Sam Tomkins the highest paid player in Super League at £300,000 a year, and this ruled out the prospect of a cross-code transfer for at least three years.<ref name="2011Contract" />
[[file:Sam Tomkins 1.jpg|thumb|right|Tomkins in 2012]]
====2012 season====
Tomkins scored 36 tries in 30 games for Wigan in 2012.

==== 2013 season ====
On 23 June 2013, the [[Sydney Morning Herald]] published news of Tomkins impending departure from Wigan to join the [[New Zealand Warriors]] of Australia's [[National Rugby League|NRL]] competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/warriors-seal-deal-to-sign-tomkins-20130622-2opac.html |title=Warriors seal deal to sign Tomkins |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=2013-06-23 |access-date=2018-08-16 |archive-date=28 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728003219/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/warriors-seal-deal-to-sign-tomkins-20130622-2opac.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Further speculation regarding the move was sparked when Tomkins' mother was seen in Auckland in July looking at residential properties. On 24 September 2013, it was confirmed that Tomkins would join the Warriors on a three-year deal starting in 2014, signed for a world record fee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24065739|title=Wigan star joins NZ Warriors for world-record fee|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=23 September 2013|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=30 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030053831/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24065739|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.samtomkins.com/blog/sam-signs-3-year-deal-with-the-nz-warriors/ |title=Sam signs 3-year deal with the NZ Warriors » Sam Tomkins Official |access-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103085305/http://www.samtomkins.com/blog/sam-signs-3-year-deal-with-the-nz-warriors/ |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

He played in the [[2013 Challenge Cup Final]] victory over [[Hull F.C.]] at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/23794947|title= Hull FC 0-16 Wigan Warriors|date= 24 August 2013|work= BBC Sport|access-date= 13 November 2019|archive-date= 8 January 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150108061625/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/23794947|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/aug/24/hull-fc-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup-final|title= Wigan Warriors overcome Hull FC and elements to win Challenge Cup|date= 24 August 2013|work= The Guardian|access-date= 13 November 2019|archive-date= 7 July 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190707133150/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/aug/24/hull-fc-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup-final|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,,11070_3660839,00.html|title= Wigan Warriors grind out victory over Hull|date= 24 August 2013|work= Sky Sports|access-date= 13 November 2019|archive-date= 6 January 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150106175738/http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,,11070_3660839,00.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

He played in the [[2013 Super League Grand Final]] victory over the [[Warrington Wolves]] at [[Old Trafford]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Super League Grand Final |url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/super_league/grandfinal |publisher=Super League |access-date=14 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729050226/http://www.superleague.co.uk/super_league/grandfinal |archive-date=29 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Newsum|first=Matt|title=Super League Grand Final: Wigan Warriors beat Warrington|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24384930|access-date=13 November 2019|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=5 October 2013|archive-date=6 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006075122/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24384930|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Super League Grand Final: Warrington v Wigan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24339698|work=BBC Sport|access-date=13 November 2019|archive-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527104413/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24339698|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10358228/Super-League-Grand-Final-2013-Warrington-Wolves-16-Wigan-Warriors-30-match-report.html|title=Warrington Wolves 16 Wigan Warriors 30|date=5 October 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=13 November 2019|archive-date=13 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113125712/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10358228/Super-League-Grand-Final-2013-Warrington-Wolves-16-Wigan-Warriors-30-match-report.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/05/warrington-wigan-super-league-grand-final|title=Wigan see off Warrington in X-rated Grand Final to complete double|date=5 October 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 November 2019|archive-date=7 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107132322/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/05/warrington-wigan-super-league-grand-final|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== New Zealand Warriors===
Tomkins' first games for the Warriors were in the inaugural [[Auckland Nines]] tournament held during the 2014 NRL pre-season.
His first official game came in the first round of the new NRL season against the [[Parramatta Eels]]. The Warriors lost 36–16. In his second game, against the [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]], he scored a try in the Warriors' 31–12 loss. He scored his second try of the season in the Warriors' 42-18 thumping against the [[Wests Tigers|Tigers]] in round 4 of the season.
[[File:066tomkinzoom.jpg|thumb|300px|Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins during a game against the Sydney Roosters in 2014]]
He had his breakout game for the New Zealand club in the round 18 48–0 victory over the [[Parramatta Eels]]. Tomkins scored two tries, one of which was directly from the lock position after a scrum win against the feed. The other of which, also from a scrum play, was down the short side where he broke four tackles in a fantastic individual effort. He also set up a brilliant try for captain [[Simon Mannering]]. In the first half, Tomkins recorded nine tackle breaks, a try assist, two line breaks, 84 running metres and two tries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://live.nrlstats.com/matches/nrl/match33193.html |title=Warriors v Parramatta, Full Time 48-0 - NRL Results - NRL Stats |access-date=16 July 2014 |archive-date=25 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725193958/http://live.nrlstats.com/matches/nrl/match33193.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His first half performance truly put him on the map in the [[National Rugby League]] after some debate previous to this game over whether he was worth the big money.

Tomkins presence at the Warriors saw long term club and [[New Zealand national rugby league team]] fullback [[Kevin Locke (rugby league)|Kevin Locke]] out of favour and languishing in the [[NSW Cup]] side. As a consequence of Tomkins good form, Locke was released by the club mid-season so he could join English side [[Salford Red Devils|Salford]].
[[File:Sam Tomkins New Zealand Warriors.jpg|thumb|right|Tomkins representing the New Zealand Warriors in 2015]]
The Warriors announced that Tomkins would leave the club at the end of 2015 due to injury and suffering from homesickness.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/2015/04/08/club_makes_double_fu.html| title=Club makes double fullback announcement| publisher=warriors.co.nz| date=8 April 2015| access-date=8 April 2015| archive-date=10 April 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410213436/http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/2015/04/08/club_makes_double_fu.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Return to Wigan ===
==== 2016 ====
Tomkins returned to Wigan after two seasons in the NRL with [[New Zealand Warriors]] for £200,000 signing a four-year contract as their marquee player.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/16/sam-tomkins-wigan-return-new-zealand|title=Sam Tomkins to return to Wigan Warriors and Super League next season|last=Bower|first=Aaron|date=2015-04-16|website=The Guardian|access-date=2018-01-16|archive-date=17 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117132053/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/16/sam-tomkins-wigan-return-new-zealand|url-status=live}}</ref> He underwent surgery on a posterior cruciate ligament injury in November 2015 ruling him out for the start of the 2016 [[Super League]] season, however due to complications he did not appear for Wigan until 13 May at home against [[Hull F.C.|Hull FC]]. He went on to make 16 appearances scoring 7 tries before undergoing more knee surgery meaning he missed the start of the 2017 season.

==== 2017 ====
Tomkins did not play for [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] until the [[Challenge Cup]] quarter final against the [[Warrington Wolves]] where it was his drop goal that won the tie for Wigan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jun/17/warrington-wolves-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup-quarter-final-match-report|title=Sam Tomkins's drop goal sends Wigan past Warrington in Challenge Cup|last=Bower|first=Aaron|date=2017-06-17|website=The Guardian|access-date=2018-01-16|archive-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118010544/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jun/17/warrington-wolves-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup-quarter-final-match-report|url-status=live}}</ref> He quickly settled into the squad with two assists in his first two [[Super League]] games of the year before scoring a try against [[Catalans Dragons]] in Round 21. He continued his good form with tries against [[Leeds Rhinos]] and [[Huddersfield Giants]]. 

He played in the [[2017 Challenge Cup Final]] defeat by [[Hull F.C.]] at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref name="Hull FC 18-14 Wigan recap as the Black and Whites claim back-to-back Challenge Cup triumphs">{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/challenge-cup-final-live-score-11054626|title=Hull FC 18-14 Wigan recap as the Black and Whites claim back-to-back Challenge Cup triumphs|work=Mirror|date=26 August 2017|access-date=6 November 2019|archive-date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106125620/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/challenge-cup-final-live-score-11054626|url-status=live}}</ref>

His fifth and last try of the season came against [[Castleford Tigers]] in the 6th Round of the Super 8's.

==== 2018 ====
After struggling with knee injuries for the previous two seasons, Tomkins was available to play in the [[Super League]] from Round 1 against [[Salford Red Devils]]. His only contribution in the first three games was an assist in the first game however he showed that he may be back to his best after a 65m run to score a try against the [[Widnes Vikings]] in Round 4. After catching a [[Tom Gilmore (rugby league)|Tom Gilmore]] kick on the full he beat three defenders to race away to score his first try of the season. In Round 5 he got four assists showing that he was back to his best in the fullback role but thriving when rotated into halfback when [[Morgan Escaré]] came off the bench. Four assists and two tries followed in the next three games before a 45m drop goal won the game against [[Leeds Rhinos]] in a tense 8-9 thriller. Two tries against Round 14 opponents [[Salford Red Devils]] and one against [[Challenge Cup]] opponents [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] preceded the news that he would be leaving to join the [[Catalans Dragons]] in 2019 which put an end to months of speculation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2018-05-14-tomkins-to-leave-warriors|title=Tomkins to leave Warriors {{!}} News {{!}} Wigan Warriors|website=www.wiganwarriors.com|access-date=2018-09-21|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921230142/https://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2018-05-14-tomkins-to-leave-warriors|url-status=live}}</ref> Further tries against [[Warrington Wolves]] at the [[Magic Weekend|Dacia Magic Weekend]] in Newcastle, [[Castleford Tigers]], [[Huddersfield Giants]], [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] and future employers [[Catalans Dragons]] pushed his tally to 11 for the season. As the primary kicker in the [[Wigan Warriors]] side he scored 95 goals from 127 attempts giving him an accuracy level of 75%, this along a relatively injury free year helped propel [[Wigan Warriors]] to second on the [[Super League]] table ensuring a home semi final against either the [[Castleford Tigers]] or the [[Warrington Wolves]]. The year was not without event however as in early June a video of Sam and brother [[Joel Tomkins|Joel]] emerged appearing to show the two being abusive towards bar staff at a local pub. For his part in the incident Sam was fined £5,000 however Joel who was the main culprit in the abusive rant was fined £10,000 and suspended before later being released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/03/wigan-suspend-joel-tomkins-abusive-rant-sam-tomkins|title=Wigan suspend Joel Tomkins for abusive rant at barmaid|last=Bower|first=Aaron|date=2018-06-03|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-09-21|archive-date=22 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922024435/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/03/wigan-suspend-joel-tomkins-abusive-rant-sam-tomkins|url-status=live}}</ref>

He played in the [[2018 Super League Grand Final]] victory over the [[Warrington Wolves]] at [[Old Trafford]].<ref name="Super League Grand Final 2018: Wigan 12-4 Warrington – as it happened">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/oct/13/super-league-grand-final-2018-wigan-warriors-v-warrington-wolves-live?page=with:block-5bc1ff43e4b05798be94cc63#liveblog-navigation|title=Super League Grand Final 2018: Wigan 12-4 Warrington – as it happened|work=The Guardian|date=13 October 2018|access-date=5 November 2019|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217180144/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/oct/13/super-league-grand-final-2018-wigan-warriors-v-warrington-wolves-live?page=with:block-5bc1ff43e4b05798be94cc63#liveblog-navigation|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Catalans Dragons===
Tomkins played 13 games for [[Catalans Dragons]] in the [[2020 Super League season]] including the 48-2 semi-final loss against St Helens.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/20/st-helens-catalans-dragons-super-league-play-off-semi-final-match-report-rugby-league/|title=St Helens demolish Catalans Dragons to set up Grand Final clash with Wigan|newspaper=The Guardian|date=20 November 2020 |access-date=18 October 2021|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020171917/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/20/st-helens-catalans-dragons-super-league-play-off-semi-final-match-report-rugby-league|url-status=live |last1=Bower |first1=Aaron }}</ref>

On 5 October 2021, Tomkins was awarded with the [[Man of Steel Awards|Man of Steel]] for his efforts with Catalans throughout the season. On 9 October 2021, Tomkins played for Catalans in their [[2021 Super League Grand Final]] loss against St. Helens.  

In April 2022, Tomkins fractured his [[fibula]] in the [[2022 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] quarterfinal against [[St Helens R.F.C.|St Helens]] ruling him out for a minimum of four weeks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.superleague.co.uk/article/2643/tomkins-to-miss-inaugural-french-derby | title=Tomkins to miss inaugural French derby }}</ref> In round 20, Tomkins kicked a drop goal to win the game for Catalans against [[Huddersfield Giants|Huddersfield]] 13-12.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58858850/|title=Super League Grand Final: Catalans Dragons 10-12 St Helens: Saints win three in a row|work=BBC Sport |date=9 October 2021 |access-date=18 October 2021|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016182230/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58858850|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tomkins played 21 games for Catalans in the 2022 Super League season including their elimination playoff loss to [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/62813693/|title=Super League play-offs: Catalans Dragons 10-20 Leeds Rhinos - Liam Sutcliffe hat-trick secures win|work=BBC Sport |date=7 September 2022 }}</ref>

In March 2023, Tomkins announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season, following issues with his knee after injuring it in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title='I can't do it much longer': Sam Tomkins to retire at end of Super League season |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/mar/10/i-cant-do-it-much-longer-sam-tomkins-to-retire-at-end-of-super-league-season |website=The Guardian |access-date=9 September 2023 |date=10 March 2023}}</ref> He delayed his decision to retire in order to play in the [[2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup|2021 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/sam-tomkins-world-cup-dream-delayed-retirement-decision | title=Sam Tomkins: World Cup dream delayed retirement decision | date=4 April 2023 }}</ref>

In the 2023 semi-final against St Helens, Tomkins scored the winning try with less than one minute remaining to take Catalans into the grand final and also end St Helens four-year dominance of the competition. On 14 October, Tomkins played in Catalans [[2023 Super League Grand Final]] loss against [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] which was also his final game as a player.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/14/catalans-dragons-wigan-super-league-grand-final-rugby-league-match-report/|title=Wigan Warriors crowned Super League champions after downing Dragons|newspaper=The Observer|date=14 October 2023 |last1=Bower |first1=Aaron }}</ref>

====Return====
In July 2024, Tomkins announced a return to Catalans Dragons, coming 
out of retirement until the end of the season to aid the club's push for play-offs and a place in the Grand Final following "confidence" in his knee again.<ref name="2024Return">{{Cite web |title=Sam Tomkins: Ex-England captain comes out of retirement in shock Super League return for Catalans Dragons |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/13180495/sam-tomkins-ex-england-captain-comes-out-of-retirement-in-shock-super-league-return-for-catalans-dragons |access-date=2024-09-05}}</ref> Tomkins made his second debut for the club on 27 July 2024, scoring a try on his return from retirement in a 24–16 victory over [[Hull F.C.]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/catalans-vs-hull/60085 | title=Super League (Sky Sports) }}</ref> On his third game back against [[Huddersfield Giants]], Tomkins suffered a hamstring injury.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/sam-tomkins-suffers-major-injury-blow-during-huddersfield-giants-clash | title=Sam Tomkins suffers injury blow during Huddersfield Giants clash | date=9 August 2024 }}</ref>

On 4 October, Tomkins signed an extension for the [[2025 Catalans Dragons season|2025 season]].<ref>https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cx2m5jn5mn2o.amp</ref><ref>https://www.skysports.com/amp/rugby-league/news/12196/13227781/sam-tomkins-to-play-on-in-2025-for-catalans-dragons-after-coming-out-of-retirement</ref> Two months into the season, he announced his second retirement would come at the end of the season saying "this year is definitely my last". He had scored five tries in five appearances of the season at the tome of the announcement.<ref>https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/super-league-icon-sam-tomkins-announces-second-retirement-as-timeframe-confirmed</ref>

== International career ==
===England===
In the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup|2008 World Cup]], co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, [[England national rugby league team|England]]'s campaign ended with a 32–22 loss to [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] at the semi-final stage.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hughes|first=Ed|title=England miss out on World Cup final|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article5160861.ece|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=The Times|date=16 November 2008|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232451/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> England responded to their exit from the tournament by replacing a number of veterans with younger players for the [[2009 Rugby League Four Nations|2009 Four Nations]].<ref name="4N2009">{{cite news|last=Irvine|first=Christopher|title=England look ahead as old guard makes way for youth|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article6871823.ece|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=The Times|date=13 October 2009|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232452/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tomkins, who was then playing at [[Rugby league positions#Stand-off|stand-off]] for Wigan, was included in a new-look squad which featured a quarter of its players aged 21 or below.<ref name="4N2009" />
{{Quote box
|quote  = In broken play, he is absolutely devastating. If the defensive line is not quite strong enough, he will absolutely rip you to shreds. He is a rising star in rugby league.
|source = [[Iestyn Harris]], [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]] head coach, 18 October 2009.<ref name="1Wales">{{cite news|title=Iestyn Harris pays tribute to Sam Tomkins after England beat Wales|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/6366738/Iestyn-Harris-pays-tribute-to-Sam-Tomkins-after-England-beat-Wales.html|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 October 2009|archive-date=25 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025143138/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/6366738/Iestyn-Harris-pays-tribute-to-Sam-Tomkins-after-England-beat-Wales.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|width  = 220px
|align  = right
|quoted = 1
}}
On 18 October 2009, having played less than thirty games for Wigan, Tomkins made his international début for [[Tony Smith (rugby league b. 1967)|Tony Smith]]'s England team against [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]] at [[Brewery Field]] in a warm-up match for the Four Nations tournament.<ref name="1Wales" /> The then-twenty-year-old scored a hat-trick in a 12–48 victory, with [[Iestyn Harris]], the Welsh head coach and former [[List of dual-code rugby internationals|dual-code rugby international]], praising Tomkins' contribution to the winning England team.<ref name="1Wales" /> Despite this, Tomkins was left out of the squad that faced [[France national rugby league team|France]] in the opening Four Nations fixture.<ref>{{cite news|title=Briscoe wings in for England|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5642423,00.html|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=21 October 2009|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023120638/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5642423,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He replaced [[Richie Myler]] for England's defeat by [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] at Wigan's [[DW Stadium]], with an impressed [[Darren Lockyer]], the Australian captain, stating after the match, "To be honest, we didn't really know their young fellas. We do now."<ref>{{cite news|last=Irvine|first=Christopher|title=Young half-back duo can galvanise England|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article6916454.ece|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=The Times|date=14 November 2009|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232452/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tomkins – We were so close|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5669582,00.html|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=2 November 2009|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023120652/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5669582,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With Smith showing confidence in the young half-back pairing between [[Kyle Eastmond]], and Tomkins, Tomkins maintained his place in the squad which won their must-win match against New Zealand for a place in the tournament final.<ref>{{cite news|last=Irvine|first=Christopher|title=Tony Smith prepares England for the long haul|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article6907226.ece|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=The Times|date=7 November 2009|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232454/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|title=England 20–12 New Zealand|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8339431.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=7 November 2009|archive-date=14 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814103233/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8339431.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The hosting England side, playing at [[Elland Road]], [[Leeds]], were overcome by Australia in the closing thirty minutes of the final despite leading 16–14 at one point, although the pairing between Eastmond and Tomkins was, according to ''[[Sky Sports]]'', impressive.<ref>{{cite news|title=Smith 'happy' despite defeat|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5695545,00.html|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=14 November 2009|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023120710/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5695545,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Smith resigned as England coach following the Four Nations, with [[Steve McNamara]] announced as the team's new head coach.<ref>{{cite news|title=Smith quits role as England coach|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8361065.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=15 November 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232454/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8361065.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bradford coach Steve McNamara lands England post|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8631778.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=21 April 2010|archive-date=1 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601152923/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8631778.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins kept his place in the England team when they played France in a mid-season friendly, and he responded by scoring four tries on England's way to a 60–6 win, a record-equalling tally for an England player in a single match.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hudson|first=Elizabeth|title=England 60–6 France|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8736220.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=12 June 2011|archive-date=14 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514132352/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8736220.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomkins appeared in all three of England's matches at the [[2010 Rugby League Four Nations|2010 Four Nations]], firstly in a defeat by New Zealand where a [[Kevin Brown (English rugby league)|Kevin Brown]] try scored from a Tomkins kick was disallowed by the video referee due to Tomkins pushing [[Greg Eastwood]] in the process.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Zealand put ponderous England to the sword|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/23/new-zealand-england-four-nations|access-date=30 June 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=23 October 2010|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005092926/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/23/new-zealand-england-four-nations|url-status=live}}</ref> Another comprehensive defeat by Australia ended England's hopes of reaching the final, in a match where Tomkins made his first international switch from the halves to {{rlp|fb}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Australia 34–14 England|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9142012.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=31 October 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232457/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9142012.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> He stayed in this position for England's final match against [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|Papua New Guinea]], a 36–10 victory in which [[Tony Clubb]] equalled Tomkins' four-try record.<ref>{{cite news|title=England 36–10 Papua New Guinea|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9162898.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=6 November 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232458/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9162898.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tomkins featured at full-back for the inaugural [[International Origin Match|International Origin]] in 2011, which England lost thanks to Wigan teammate [[George Carmont]]'s 79th minute try for the [[Exiles rugby league team|Exiles]]. Tomkins was booed by England supporters from opposing clubs within the [[Headingley Stadium|Headingley]] crowd at [[Leeds]],{{cn|date=June 2020}} an incident which was criticised as "disgraceful"<ref>{{cite news|title=Jamie Peacock critical of fans who booed Sam Tomkins|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13737347.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=11 June 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232535/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/13737347|url-status=live}}</ref> by [[Jamie Peacock]], the England captain and [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]] forward, however Wigan head coach [[Michael Maguire (rugby league)|Michael Maguire]] claimed Tomkins had not been affected by the abuse.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sam Tomkins can cope with boos – Michael Maguire|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9514819.stm|access-date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC|date=16 June 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232550/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9514819.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the completion of the rugby league domestic season, Tomkins was included in a pre-Four Nations test against France.<ref>{{cite news|title=England warm up for Four Nations with victory over France|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15412521.stm|access-date=26 November 2011|publisher=BBC|date=21 October 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232558/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/15412521|url-status=live}}</ref> In England's opening match of the [[2011 Four Nations]] against [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]], he scored four tries, which for the second time in his international career equalled the record for the most tries by a player representing England.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/oct/29/england-wales-four-nations?newsfeed=true|title=Four tries by Sam Tomkins eases England past outgunned Wales|last=Wilson|first=Andy|date=29 October 2011|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=30 October 2011|archive-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928070604/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/oct/29/england-wales-four-nations?newsfeed=true|url-status=live}}</ref> After playing against Australia at [[Wembley Stadium]] in a match which England ended the losing side, Tomkins scored a try against New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rej|first=Arindam|title=Four Nations 2011: England 20–36 Australia|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15607788.stm|access-date=26 November 2011|publisher=BBC|date=5 November 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232559/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/15607788|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hafez|first=Shamoon|title=Four Nations 2011: England 28–6 New Zealand|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15665819.stm|access-date=26 November 2011|publisher=BBC|date=12 November 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232615/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/15665819|url-status=live}}</ref> England's victory over the Kiwis meant that for the second time in three years, Tomkins featured for England in a Four Nations final against Australia, although they ended runners-up to Australia after losing 8–30. Playing fullback, Tomkins had an unhappy night under the high ball at [[Elland Road]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Hudson|first=Elizabeth|title=Australia beat England to lift Four Nations trophy|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15790587.stm|access-date=26 November 2011|publisher=BBC|date=19 November 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232617/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/15790587|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Following the [[2014 Rugby League Four Nations|2014 Four Nations]], Tomkins did not feature for England for the next few years. He was forced to withdraw from the Test series against New Zealand in 2015 due to injury,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sam Tomkins out of England Test series against New Zealand with knee injury |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/29/sam-tomkins-out-england-test-series-new-zealand-knee-injury |website=The Guardian |access-date=9 September 2023 |date=29 October 2015}}</ref> and was not selected for the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby League World Cup: Sam Tomkins not in England squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/44940300 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=9 September 2023 |date=9 October 2017}}</ref> He was recalled to the England squad in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wigan's Sam Tomkins recalled to England squad after four-year absence |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/44940300 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=9 September 2023 |date=24 July 2018}}</ref>

He was selected in [[England 9s]] squad for the [[2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s]].<ref name="Sam Tomkins eager to lift inaugural World 9s title with England Down Under">{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/sam-tomkins-eager-lift-inaugural-20595184|title=Sam Tomkins eager to lift inaugural World 9s title with England Down Under|work=Mirror|date=16 October 2019|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029125436/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/sam-tomkins-eager-lift-inaugural-20595184|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2021, he was named as England's new captain, following the retirement of [[Sean O'Loughlin]].<ref>{{cite web |title=New England captain Sam Tomkins says time at Wigan taught him to be a leader |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/sam-tomkins-wigan-shaun-wane-england-new-england-b1872226.html |website=The Independent |access-date=9 September 2023 |date=24 June 2021}}</ref> He was selected for the [[2021 Rugby League World Cup]], starting at [[fullback (rugby league)|fullback]] in four of England's five matches before their semi-final defeat against [[Samoa national rugby league team|Samoa]].

===Barbarians===
In November 2011, Tomkins played at [[Wing (rugby union)|right wing]], and scored a try for the [[Barbarians F.C.|Barbarians]], a British-based invitational [[rugby union]] side, against the [[Australian national rugby union team|Australian Wallabies]], although the Barbarians lost 11–60.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/sam-tomkins-to-face-wallabies-a-week-after-playing-kangaroos-20111122-1nrvx.html|title=Sam Tomkins to face Wallabies a week after playing Kangaroos|date=22 November 2011|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=22 November 2011|archive-date=22 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122211552/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/sam-tomkins-to-face-wallabies-a-week-after-playing-kangaroos-20111122-1nrvx.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Barbarians2011">{{cite news|title=Barbarians 11–60 Australia|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15810900.stm|access-date=26 November 2011|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2011|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232622/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/15810900|url-status=live}}</ref> The match was Tomkins's first match of professional rugby union; Tomkins admitted that prior to training with the Barbarians he did not know what numbers were allocated to which position in rugby union.<ref name="Barbarians2011" /> On his first experience of the sport, Tomkins was quoted by the ''[[BBC]]'' as saying, "I am glad I have had the chance to play but I am still a professional [[rugby league]] footballer."<ref name="Barbarians2011" />

==Broadcasting career==
Following his 2023 retirement as a player, Tomkins joined the [[Sky Sports]] match commentary team as an analyst for the 2024 season.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/rugby-league/news/12196/13053911/sam-tomkins-former-england-captain-joins-sky-sports-for-2024-super-league-season | title=Sam Tomkins: Former England captain joins Sky Sports for 2024 Super League season }}</ref> He continued his broadcasting work during his 2024 playing return.<ref name="2024Return" />

==Coaching career==
In September 2024, Tomkins was appointed Team Manager of the [[England national rugby league team]] - a "behind-the-scenes administrative role".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/63079/sam-tomkins-appointed-england-team-manager | title=Sam Tomkins appointed England team manager }}</ref>

==Career statistics==
{{update|section|date=January 2024}}
===Club career===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Club
!Season
!Appearances
!Tries
!Goals
!F/G
!Points
|-
| rowspan="7" |Wigan Warriors
|2008
|1
|5
| -
| -
|20
|-
|2009
|27
|15
|  -
|1
|61
|-
|2010
|34
|21
|4
| -
|92
|-
|2011
|34
|33
|5
|1
|143
|-
|2012
|30
|36
|26
| -
|196
|-
|2013
|26
|34
| -
| -
|136
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''152'''
|'''144'''
|'''35'''
|'''2'''
|'''648'''
|-
| rowspan="3" |New Zealand Warriors
|2014
|24
|13
| -
| -
|52
|-
|2015
|13
|1
| -
| -
|4
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''37'''
|'''14'''
|'''-'''
|'''-'''
|'''56'''
|-
| rowspan="4" |Wigan Warriors
|2016
|16
|7
| -
| -
|28
|-
|2017
|15
|5
|2
|2
|26
|-
|2018
| 30
| 12
| 100
| 6
| 254
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''61'''
|'''24'''
|'''102'''
|'''8'''
|'''308'''
|-
| colspan="2" |'''''Total'''''
|'''''250'''''
|'''''182'''''
|'''''137'''''
|'''''10'''''
|'''''1012'''''
|}

===International Test caps===
''Matches do not include friendly matches or [[International Origin]] matches as these are unofficial test matches''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sam Tomkins Career Stats & Summary|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/sam-tomkins/summary.html|publisher=RUGBY LEAGUE project|access-date=11 November 2016|archive-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413183155/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/sam-tomkins/summary.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Sam Tomkins England.jpg|thumb|right|Tomkins warming up for England in 2022]]
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="font-size:85%;"
|-
! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 1|| 18 October 2009|| [[Brewery Field]], [[Bridgend]], Wales|| {{rl|Wales}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8309593.stm 12–48]|| Win|| [[2009 Rugby League Four Nations#Wales vs England|Test match]]
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 2|| 31 October 2009|| [[DW Stadium]], [[Wigan]], England|| {{rl|Australia}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8334117.stm 16–26]|| Loss|| [[2009 Rugby League Four Nations|2009 Four Nations]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 3|| 7 November 2009|| [[Galpharm Stadium]], [[Huddersfield]], England|| {{rl|New Zealand}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8339431.stm 20–12]|| Win|| 2009 Four Nations
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 4|| 14 November 2009|| [[Elland Road]], [[Leeds]], England|| {{rl|Australia}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8358392.stm 16–46]|| Loss|| 2009 Four Nations
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 5|| 12 June 2010|| [[Leigh Sports Village]], [[Leigh, Greater Manchester|Leigh]], England|| {{rl|France}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8736220.stm 60–6]|| Win|| [[Test match (rugby league)|Test match]]
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 6|| 23 October 2010|| [[Westpac Stadium]], [[Wellington]], New Zealand|| {{rl|New Zealand}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9118783.stm 24–10]|| Loss|| [[2010 Rugby League Four Nations|2010 Four Nations]]
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 7|| 31 October 2010|| [[AAMI Park]], [[Melbourne]], Australia|| {{rl|Australia}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9142012.stm 34–14]|| Loss|| 2010 Four Nations
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 8|| 6 November 2010|| [[Eden Park]], [[Auckland]], New Zealand|| {{rl|PNG}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9162898.stm 36–10]|| Win|| 2010 Four Nations
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 9|| 21 October 2011|| [[Parc des Sports (Avignon)|Parc des Sports]], [[Avignon]], France|| {{rl|France}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15412521.stm 18–32]|| Win|| [[2011 Rugby League Four Nations#France vs England|Test match]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 10|| 29 October 2011|| Leigh Sports Village, Leigh, England|| {{rl|Wales}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15497522.stm 42–4]|| Win|| [[2011 Rugby League Four Nations|2011 Four Nations]]
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 11|| 5 November 2011|| [[Wembley Stadium]], London, England|| {{rl|Australia}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15607788.stm 20–36]|| Loss|| 2011 Four Nations
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 12|| 12 November 2011|| [[KC Stadium]], [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]], England|| {{rl|New Zealand}}|| [https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-league/15665819 28–6]|| Win|| 2011 Four Nations
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 13|| 19 November 2011|| Elland Road, Leeds, England|| {{rl|Australia}}|| [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15790587.stm 8–30]|| Loss|| 2011 Four Nations
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 14|| 3 November 2012|| [[Craven Park, Hull|MS3 Craven Park]], Hull, England|| {{rl|France}}|| [https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-league/20156508 44–6]|| Win|| [[2012 Autumn International Series]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 15|| 11 November 2012|| [[Salford City Stadium]], [[City of Salford|Salford]], England|| {{rl|France}}|| [https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-league/20258527 48–4]|| Win|| 2012 Autumn International Series
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 16|| 26 October 2013|| [[Millennium Stadium]], [[Cardiff]], Wales|| {{rl|Australia}}|| {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20131029174114/http://www.rlwc2013.com/matchreport/8655 20–28]}}|| Loss|| [[2013 Rugby League World Cup]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 17|| 2 November 2013|| [[John Smith's Stadium]], Huddersfield, England|| {{rl|Ireland}}|| {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20131104235424/http://www.rlwc2013.com/matchreport/8657 42–0]}}|| Win|| 2013 Rugby League World Cup
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 18|| 9 November 2013|| KC Stadium, Hull, England|| {{rl|Fiji}}|| {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20131109202837/http://www.rlwc2013.com/matchreport/8659 34–12]}}|| Win|| 2013 Rugby League World Cup
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 19|| 16 November 2013|| DW Stadium, Wigan, England|| {{rl|France}}|| {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20131118060052/http://www.rlwc2013.com/matchreport/9653 34–6]}}|| Win|| 2013 Rugby League World Cup
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 20|| 23 November 2013|| Wembley Stadium, London, England|| {{rl|New Zealand}}|| {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20131127083040/http://www.rlwc2013.com/matchreport/9657 18–20]}}|| Loss|| 2013 Rugby League World Cup
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 21|| 25 October 2014|| [[Suncorp Stadium]], [[Brisbane]], Australia|| {{rl|Samoa}}|| [http://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/live/match-report/41785/england-v-samoa 32–26]|| Win|| [[2014 Rugby League Four Nations|2014 Four Nations]]
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 22|| 2 November 2014|| AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia|| {{rl|Australia}}|| [http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/live/match/41788/report 16–12]|| Loss|| 2014 Four Nations
|- style="background:#fdd;"
| 23|| 8 November 2014|| [[Forsyth Barr Stadium]], [[Dunedin]], New Zealand|| {{rl|New Zealand}}|| [http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/live/match/41787/report 16–14]|| Loss|| 2014 Four Nations
|}

===International tries===

{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="font-size:85%;"
|-
! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 1|| rowspan=3|18 October 2009|| rowspan=3|[[Brewery Field]], [[Bridgend]], Wales|| rowspan=3|{{rl|Wales}}|| rowspan=3|[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8309593.stm 12–48]|| rowspan=3|Win|| rowspan=3|[[2009 Rugby League Four Nations#Wales vs England|Test match]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 2
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 3
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 4|| rowspan=4|12 June 2010|| rowspan=4|[[Leigh Sports Village]], [[Leigh, Greater Manchester|Leigh]], England|| rowspan=4|{{rl|France}}|| rowspan=4|[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8736220.stm 60–6]|| rowspan=4|Win|| rowspan=4|[[Test match (rugby league)|Test match]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 5
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 6
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 7
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 8|| rowspan=4|29 October 2011|| rowspan=4|Leigh Sports Village, Leigh, England|| rowspan=4|{{rl|Wales}}|| rowspan=4|[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15497522.stm 42–4]|| rowspan=4|Win|| rowspan=4|[[2011 Rugby League Four Nations|2011 Four Nations]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 9
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 10
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 11
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 12|| rowespan=1|12 November 2011|||[[KC Stadium]], [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]], England|||{{rl|New Zealand}}|||[https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/15665819 28–6]|||Win||rowspan|[[2011 Rugby League Four Nations|2011 Four Nations]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 13|| rowspan=2|3 November 2012|| rowspan=2|[[Craven Park, Hull|MS3 Craven Park]], Hull, England|| rowspan=2|{{rl|France}}|| rowspan=2|[https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-league/20156508 44–6]|| rowspan=2|Win|| rowspan=2|[[2012 Autumn International Series]]
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 14
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 15|| rowspan=2|11 November 2012|| rowspan=2|[[Salford City Stadium]], [[City of Salford|Salford]], England|| rowspan=2|{{rl|France}}|| rowspan=2|[https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-league/20258527 48–4]|| rowspan=2|Win|| rowspan=2|2012 Autumn International Series
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 16
|- style="background:#dfd;"
| 17|| 25 October 2014|| [[Suncorp Stadium]], [[Brisbane]], Australia|| {{rl|Samoa}}|| [https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-league/29700895 32–26]|| Win|| [[2014 Rugby League Four Nations|2014 Four Nations]]
|}

==Honours==

===Wigan Warriors===

*'''[[Super League Grand Final|Super League]]'''
**'''Winners (3):''' [[2010 Super League Grand Final|2010]], [[2013 Super League Grand Final|2013]], [[2018 Super League Grand Final|2018]]

*'''[[League Leaders' Shield]]'''
**'''Winners (2):''' [[Super League XV|2010]], [[Super League XVII|2012]]
**'''Runner-up (2):''' [[Super League XVI|2011]], [[Super League XXIII|2018]]

*'''[[Challenge Cup]]'''
**'''Winners (2):''' [[2011 Challenge Cup|2011]], [[2013 Challenge Cup|2013]]
**'''Runner-up (1):''' [[2017 Challenge Cup|2017]]

*'''[[World Club Challenge]]'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[2017 World Club Challenge|2017]]
**'''Runner-up (1):''' [[2011 World Club Challenge|2011]]

===Catalans Dragons===
*'''[[Super League Grand Final|Super League]]'''
**'''Runner-up (2):''' [[2021 Super League Grand Final|2021]], [[2023 Super League Grand Final|2023]]

*'''[[League Leaders' Shield]]:'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XXI|2021]]
**'''Runner-up (1):''' [[Super League XXVIII|2023]]

===England===
*'''[[Rugby League World Cup|World Cup]]:'''
**'''Runner-up (1):''' [[2017 Rugby League World Cup|2017]]

===Individual===
*'''[[Man of Steel Awards|Man of Steel]]:'''
**'''Winners (2):''' [[Super League XVII|2012]], [[Super League XXI|2021]]
*'''[[Super League Dream Team]]'''
**'''Winners (8):''' [[Super League XIV|2009]], [[Super League XV|2010]], [[Super League XVI|2011]], [[Super League XVII|2012]], [[Super League XVIII|2013]], [[Super League XIX|2014]] [[Super League XXIV|2021]], [[Super League XXVIII|2023]]
*'''[[Super League]] Player of the Year''':
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XVI|2011]]
*'''[[Super League]] Young Player of the Year''':
**'''Winners (2):''' [[Super League XIV|2009]], [[Super League XV|2010]]
*'''[[Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters' Association|RLWBA]] Player of the Year:'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sam Tomkins: Catalans Dragons and England full-back wins Rugby League writers' award for third time |url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/rugby-league/news/12196/12420332/sam-tomkins-catalans-dragons-and-england-full-back-wins-rugby-league-writers-award-for-third-tim |access-date=2024-09-05}}</ref>
**'''Winners (3):''' [[Super League XVI|2011]], [[Super League XVII|2012]], [[Super League XXI|2021]]
*'''[[Albert Goldthorpe Medal]]:'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XV|2010]]
*'''[[Albert Goldthorpe Medal#Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]]:'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XIV|2009]]
*'''[[RLIF Awards|RLIF Rookie of the Year]]'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XV|2010]]
*'''Wigan Warriors Player of the Year'''
**'''Winners (2):''' [[2009 Wigan Warriors season|2009]], [[2011 Wigan Warriors season|2011]]
*'''Wigan Warriors Young Player of the Year'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[2009 Wigan Warriors season|2009]]
*'''Wigan Warriors Reserve Team Player of the Year'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[2008 Wigan Warriors season|2008]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[http://www.catalansdragons.com/en/fiche-530-tomkins-sam/ Catalans Dragons profile]
*(archived by web.archive.org) [https://web.archive.org/web/20130625062337/http://www.samtomkins.com/ Official Sam Tomkins website at samtomkins.com]
* [http://www.wiganwarriors.com/teams/first-team/sam-tomkins Profile at wiganwarriors.com]
*(archived by web.archive.org) [https://web.archive.org/web/20150511142558/http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/playerstats/playerprofile/tabid/10898/clubid/14/playerid/913/seasonid/43/default.aspx Profile at nrl.com]
*[https://www.superleague.co.uk/player/276/sam%3Cbr-%3Etomkins SL profile]
* [http://wigan.rlfans.com/readarticle.php?article_id=992 Statistics at wigan.rlfans.com]
* [http://www.wiganwarriorsfans.com/wigan/?s=Player&o=130843 Profile at wiganwarriorsfans.com]
*[https://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup/england/sam-tomkins/ England profile]

{{Catalans Dragons squad}}
{{Navboxes colour
|title= Wigan Warriors squads
| bg=#AA1F2E
| fg=white
| bordercolor=#AA1F2E
|list1=
{{Wigan Warriors - 2010 Super League Grand Final winners}}
{{Wigan Warriors - 2011 Challenge Cup Final winners}}
{{Wigan Warriors - 2013 Challenge Cup Final winners}}
{{Wigan Warriors - 2013 Super League Grand Final winners}}
{{Wigan Warriors - 2018 Super League Grand Final winners}}
}}
{{Navboxes colour
|title= England squads
| bg=white
| fg=red
| bordercolor=red
|list1=
{{England 2009 Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{England 2010 Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{England 2011 Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{England 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{England 2014 Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{England 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s squad}}
{{England 2021 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
}}
{{Man of Steel Award}}
{{navboxes|title=Super League Dream Team|list1=
{{2009 Super League Dream Team}}
{{2010 Super League Dream Team}}
{{2011 Super League Dream Team}}
{{2012 Super League Dream Team}}
{{2013 Super League Dream Team}}
}}

{{good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tomkins, Sam}}
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century English sportsmen]]
[[Category:Barbarian F.C. players]]
[[Category:Catalans Dragons players]]
[[Category:England national rugby league team captains]]
[[Category:England national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:English expatriate rugby league players]]
[[Category:English rugby league players]]
[[Category:New Zealand Warriors players]]
[[Category:Rugby league five-eighths]]
[[Category:Rugby league fullbacks]]
[[Category:Rugby league halfbacks]]
[[Category:Rugby league players from Buckinghamshire]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Milton Keynes]]
[[Category:Wigan St Patricks players]]
[[Category:Wigan Warriors captains]]
[[Category:Wigan Warriors players]]