Joel Tomkins: It’s like a fairytale for me

Wigan back-rower Joel Tomkins has described his return to Rugby League as “like a fairytale” after reaching the Grand Final just three months after leaving rugby union.

The 27-year-old originally left the Warriors to join Aviva Premiership side Saracens in 2010 and went on to represent England in the 15-man code. In June, he completed his return to Super League and has never looked back.

He’s now focused on emulating his last game for Wigan before switching codes, when the cherry and whites took down this weekend’s opponents St Helens 22-10 at Old Trafford.

“This is like a fairytale for me, especially if we get the win on Saturday. I’m so lucky that the lads have done the work throughout the season and I’m grateful that I came into a team who were in such a good position,” he said.

Joel-Tomkins

“The goal since day one has been to make the final. Last season and the final in 2010 were fantastic achievements and this really is what it’s all about, it doesn’t count for anything if we don’t get the win at the weekend.

“Saints have had a fantastic season and they deserve to be in the final. Some people wrote them off in the play-offs but they went out there and they got the results every time, which is a massive credit to them.

“We are in good from too and we’ll go into the match with confidence. It’s going to be a massive game, the final in 2010 against Saints was a great occasion and I know that this year will be the same, I won’t be letting it pass me buy.

“To be facing Saints again, it’s a local derby, the atmosphere will be unreal and it will be a huge game not only for the players but for all of the supporters too.”