Sam cagey over brother's plans

Published: Wednesday, 12. October, 2011 in category Northern Hemishere
Joel Tomkins (with ball): Considering code switch

Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins re-iterated his own commitment to rugby league when he linked up with the England camp on Tuesday as speculation continues over his brother Joel's future.

The second rower turned centre asked not to be picked for Steve McNamara's Four Nations squad as he ponders a lucrative offer to join up with former Wigan captain Andy Farrell at Saracens.

"I think he just doesn't want to come in and cause any disruption," Sam said at an England media day at Loughborough University.

"He's got some things going on but I don't know where he's up to with them."

Wigan have flatly refused to comment on the speculation over the older Tomkins, who only this year signed a new five-year contract taking him to the end of 2015 but is thought to have been offered £400,000 a year to play for Sarries.

The interest from union emerged just three weeks after he joined a London-based management company that also looks after the interests of his former Wigan team-mate and England RU winger Chris Ashton.

Tomkins, 24, is a close friend of Ashton - they were class-mates at school and came through the Warriors ranks together - and has seen how his profile and income have rocketed since he switched codes.

Sam, 22, has also joined the same company but confirmed he has no immediate plans to leave his hometown club.

"In the future it could be something, you never say never," he said. "But for the time being my head is on playing for Wigan and England.

"Whatever comes down the path, it's something I'd think about if I got the opportunity later on in life. For the time being, I'm focused on playing for Wigan."