Joel Tomkins: Sam Burgess is sure to thrill rugby union fans

Burgess will arrive at Bath in October from the South Sydney Rabbitohs and faces a race against time to learn a new sport, find the right position and convince England head coach Stuart Lancaster he can become a force in union.

Tomkins achieved those three aims after moving from Wigan to Saracens in 2011 and played in England’s Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand last November.

With Tomkins now back in the 13-a-side game he is uniquely qualified to assess the impact Burgess could make in union. Tomkins played outside centre for Sarries and England having been a forward in league and is urging Bath to pick Burgess at inside centre.

“I would be more than willing to have a chat to Sam about making the switch to union,” said the 27-year-old. “For me, Sam has been the best forward in rugby league for the last three or four seasons and I hope union fans appreciate what a massive talent they are getting.

“He is on a different level to anyone else in his position, is a massive bloke and a huge talent — just like Sonny Bill Williams in New Zealand. Sam has to play No12 in union because putting someone with no experience of union in the forwards won’t work. But, if he can get to grips with the role of inside centre and feel comfortable, then the raw ability to carry the ball and hit people in the tackle — there won’t be anyone better in the world.

“The World Cup is a definite possibility if Sam does get to grips with the technical side of the sport. While it is a short time-frame and a big ask, if there is anyone you would want to be coming over from league to play No12 for England then it’s Sam Burgess.”

Tomkins missed the last three months of Saracens’ season after undergoing surgery on a bulging disc in his back and is now preparing to make his Wigan return in a fortnight.

The injury meant Tomkins was a frustrated spectator as Sarries lost in the Heineken and Premiership finals to finish the season without a trophy. 

“I don’t regret my decision to join Sarries because I was able to play for England and become part of a special club,” he said. “However, after a long thought-out process and at this stage in my life, I realised the timing was right to come home.

“I grew up in Wigan and came through the Academy from the age of 13. It means everything to me to pull on the famous Cherry and White jersey again.

“At the time I moved to Sarries, I really wanted a new challenge and I am really glad I made the change and I return to Wigan revitalised and refreshed.

“We were given two England jerseys for each match so you could swap one but I kept all of mine — even when I played New Zealand [and England lost]. They are very special.”

Joel Tomkins was talking with Foxy Bingo, in support of its Ladies of the League campaign. To find out  more, visit ladiesoftheleague.co.uk

Article source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/gareth-anscombe-lets-fly-at-ulster-rugby-clowns-30398874.html

Joel Tomkins: Sam Burgess is sure to thrill rugby union fans