Sam Tomkins admits he doesn’t know where he’ll be playing for Catalans Dragons in 2019 yet, but he says he is not too concerned.
Tomkins heads to the south of France next year after having ended his second stint with Wigan to move to the Catalans to link up with his former England coach, Steve McNamara.
Having excelled at fullback for the Warriors in their title-winning exploits of 2018, Tomkins has since reverted to halfback for England in the autumn internationals but will miss the final Test against New Zealand on Sunday. With so many options in the pivots at McNamara’s disposal next year, Tomkins admits it won’t become apparent where the former England coach wants him to play until pre-season gets underway.
“I’m guessing that I’ll find out in pre-season,” he said.
“There are a few options, with Tony Gigot, Matty Smith and David Mead. There are a few different combinations Steve could go with between the five of us. And I’m including Samisoni Langi in that too, so I’ve not even considered that.”
Tomkins admits that as he has matured as a player, he has become less concerned with whether he is regarded as a fullback or a halfback.
“I’ve played both positions so much that it doesn’t bother me too much any more,” he said.
“I used to get stressed about playing halfback; I’ve played there a lot more in recent years, but there’s not a huge difference outside of the defending. Wherever it is, it doesn’t matter to me.”
Tomkins also admitted that, after ending his four-year exile from the national team, he never once feared his England career was over.
“I’m not that old yet, after all. I’m still in my twenties and I’ve got plenty of rugby left in me,” he said.
“As long as I’m being consistent enough at club level, I believe I’m good enough to get in.
“I was always confident that if I was healthy and playing, I could force my way back in. Luckily, it’s worked out that way.”
