Andy Gregory concerned by Joel Tomkins' switch to Rugby Union
While talking to reporters on Friday, November 11, Wigan Warriors’ icon, Andy Gregory, reckons that Joel Tomkins may have a very successful run in the alternate code of rugby, but that entirely depends on his on-field position. If he gets lucky with the
best position, he will have unmatched success at the rugby union.
Gregory believes that a player of Tomkins’ caliber should not be lost to Union and rugby league quarters should look into the exodus of players with concern. The proper measures should be taken to amend the negative trend, as this has become rampant over
the past couple of months.
Tomkins had already agreed to a five-year deal with Wigan, which would bind him from pursuing a career in union until the end of that term. However, the player had walked out of his contract at Wigans to join the Aviva Premiership side Saracens.
While expressing his concerning about losing the best of League to Union, Gregory said that Tomkins is eligible to play for both codes. He added,"I think his biggest problem is what position is he going to play. He was a back-row forward then Mick Maguire
turned him into a centre, so I don't really know in union what actual position he will play. I'm sure Wigan have been well and truly compensated for him breaking his contract, but money talks, I'm sure Ian Lenagan is very shrewd and didn't want him to leave,
but he must have got the best deal possible for the club if the lad wanted to leave."
Gregory further pointed out that Joel’s brother, Sam, who plays for the English side, is the fulcrum of attention for his brilliant performance against Australia at Wembley. This may deviate his plans from sticking to League, because with his brother’s move
to the alternate code, his switch becomes a more likely option.
Rugby Football League (RFL) will have to take strict actions against the increasing out flux of the best talent from League to Union, which is understandable because money talks and union pampers their players in this regard.
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