Tomkins hopes Charnley's move won't be permanent

Sam Tomkins hopes Josh Charnley will follow the recent trend '“ and return to Wigan after a spell away.
Josh CharnleyJosh Charnley
Josh Charnley

Charnley returned from suspension to score a try - his 20th in 24 appearances this season – in Friday’s 60-12 thumping of Wakefield.

The England winger switches codes at the end of this season to join Premiership outfit Sale Sharks.

But Tomkins is hoping he is not lost from the club forever.

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He rejoined his hometown club after two years in the NRL while brother Joel (union) and Lee Mossop (Parramatta) also returned, and next year Joe Burgess (Sydney Roosters/Souths) will be back at 
Wigan.

Tomkins said: “He’s decided to go for a change and I’m not one to say don’t go for a change, I’ve done it myself.

“But hopefully he’ll go to rugby union, do well and come back one day.”

In-form Charnley has a maximum of eight games left with Wigan before his departure.

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And former Man of Steel Tomkins, who passed the 150 try-mark for Wigan on Friday, added: “I’m gutted he’s leaving.

“He’s not only a team-mate but one of my best mates as well.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing alongside Josh - he’s an extremely talented bloke.”

The pair will get another chance to link-up together on Friday when Wigan travel to Castleford, aiming to keep the pressure on Hull FC at the top of the Super League ladder.

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They are level on points though FC are in the No.1 spot, on account of their superior for-and-against.

Shaun Wane suffered no fresh injuries last Friday and expects to have forward Liam Farrell and centre Anthony Gelling back in contention, after they recovered from rib and pectoral injuries respectively.

Injuries and suspensions have bitten into Wane’s squad throughout this year, and he admits accommodating the two returning players will give him his first selection dilemma of the year.

“It is, and I’m looking forward to it,” he smiled. “It’s not tough, it’s really simple – the best will play.”

Tony Clubb (neck) and Micky McIlorum (ankle) are still sidelined.