Tomkins: Hull will target me

The England full-back, who has re-joined his home-town club from New Zealand Warriors on a four-year deal, admits it will take him some time to find his form after a nine-month injury lay-off but he intends to make a mark against Hull in the top-four clash at the DW Stadium.

“They’d be daft not to, wouldn’t they?” said Tomkins, when asked if he expected special attention, “I know what I’d be doing if I was playing against a bloke who’s not played for six months. But I’ve dealt with stuff like that before.

“I’m not going to be coming out Friday and performing to my very best. I know I’ve had a significant injury and getting back to playing is not about your best form immediately coming out.

“But I’ll certainly add something to the team on Friday, I’m not going to be a weak link, that’s for sure.

“I’ve got my own standards and I know what I need to do for the team. My job this week is going to be simple; I don’t know how long I’ll play but when I do, I need to make sure I give the team something we’ve not had this year.”

Although Wigan can draw level with leaders Warrington with victory, it is widely accepted they have yet to hit their straps and have already lost twice at the DW Stadium this year.

Tomkins added: “The boys have gone well but I don’t think we’ve played brilliantly either. We’ve won some games ugly and we don’t want to be doing that all year.”

Wigan coach Shaun Wane has hinted that Tomkins will start on the bench but the England international expects to be quickly put under pressure by Hull’s master kicker Marc Sneyd, who produced a man-of-the-match performance in his side’s impressive Challenge Cup win at St Helens last Sunday.

“Hull are on fire at the minute,” said. “They schooled St Helens at the weekend and the signings they’ve made this year have given them a huge boost. They’re strong and with Marc Sneyd’s kicking game they’re going to be a big threat.”

Tomkins, who made his Wigan debut exactly eight years ago in a Challenge Cup-tie against Whitehaven when he scored five tries, will make his re-appearance alongside older brother Joel, who has also recovered from a knee injury.