Super Sam is Mr Loyal
Sam Tomkins today revealed the thought of moving clubs – or codes – never crossed his mind as he pledged his long-term future to Warriors.
And the livewire half-back has vowed to help end Wigan's seven-year trophy drought.
Tomkins yesterday signed an extension to his contract until the end of 2014.
And his decision quelled any fears that his sparking performances may have attracted interest from cash-rich rugby union outfits or rival Super League clubs.
Academy product Tomkins told the Evening Post: "My eyes were always on Wigan.
"I told Ian Lenagan don't want to be playing anywhere else and I don't want to be playing union.
"All I want to do is establish myself as a league player at Wigan – I don't want to go anywhere else.
"I'm happy to have my future tied up here.
"It's my home-town club and it's where all my family and mates are."
The 20-year-old was already under contract until 2011 and admits he was a little shocked when ambitious chairman Lenagan first raised the idea of an extension – but didn't hesitate to tie himself to the club for an additional three years.
"Ian asked me a few weeks ago and we got talking about it," he said.
"I wasn't quite expecting it, I thought maybe it'd be
something we'd look at next year, but Ian said he's been
impressed with what I've done this year and I'm happy to stay.
"Ian wants to win trophies like all the players, and we're a club that is building to get back to the Wigan of old.
"It's going to be a good few years I think, it's a young squad – we're a good team at present and over the next few years I think we'll just get better and better."
Tomkins has been one of the shining lights of a stuttering and frustrating campaign – and with star back-rower Gareth Hock facing a two-year ban following his failed drugs test, the decision to tie-up one of the club's most exciting talents gives fans something to smile about.
Tomkins was a travelling reserve for England in their recent Test match against France, and Lenagan said: "I'm sure he will go on to win caps at international level.
"We look forward now to the next five years with Sam in the Wigan team."
The Wigan St Patrick's product – who can play scrum-half, stand-off and even at full-back – burst on to the scene with a five-try debut in a Challenge Cup match last year and has made a huge impact in Super League this season.
He has scored eight tries in 15 appearances, the last of which was during a man-of-the-match display against Hull KR.
Lenagan has previously rewarded young players with contract extensions – Sam's older brother Joel penned a two-year extension in December until the end of 2011.
And with younger brother Logan now featuring for Warriors' all-conquering reserves, it raises the prospect of the three brothers all
playing in the first team together in the future.
Sam added: "Logan is doing well for the reserves. He's still only 16 and he's picking things up and getting better each week.
"It'd be great if, in a couple of years, there's three of us in the team."
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Weather for Wigan
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -6 C to 3 C
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