Tomkins: Grounds to develop World Club

Wigan’s win against Cronulla in the World Club Challenge, just a day after Warrington stunned Brisbane in the ‘Series’ match, has injected some life into the concept.

Tomkins says the current model - playing the game in February – is flawed, and says ideally the showcase matches would be staged in October – between the Grand Finals finishing and the international competition starting.

“The only down side at the minute is the squads which win the Grand Final don’t necessarily play in the World Club,” the 29-year-old said.

“I’d love a slightly different concept, play it at the end of the year, that would be special after the Grand Final – but I realise that would be tough with the international schedule.

“There’s definitely ground to develop it, but the basic concept is a good one.

“I’d love to see a proper World Club competition, where you get the top teams from each side playing and have a proper tournament, but the basic concept is brilliant.”

Tomkins says nothing Cronulla did surprised him – but knowing their game-plan and stopping it are two different propositions. “It’s a simple game rugby league – and they play a very-simple brand of it,” he said. “Out of yardage they don’t throw much at you but they run hard and defend hard.

“They’re good athletes, no doubt, very fit and strong, and they hit hard. We were a bit more expansive and it worked.”

And he hopes their success will restore some of Super League’s battered credibility.

“It’s great for our competition,” he added. “No doubt a few will brush it under the carpet and say the Aussies are still in pre-season and had players missing, but we had injuries, we’ve only had one game, so it’s pretty even.

“Hopefully Super League gets some credit from it.”