Griffiths: Tomkins is the best in the world

North Wales coach Clive Griffiths has hailed Sam Tomkins as one of the best fullbacks in the world.

Griffiths saw Tomkins score six tries in Wigan’s 98-4 win over the Crusaders, and says he would have dreaded coming up against the 23-year old in his playing days.

He said: “They talk about Billy Slater but this guy is equally as good as him. I have been fortunate to coach a number of world class players in my time and he had shades of Jonathan Davies today. He was untouchable really.”

However Griffiths was pleased with his side’s performance despite the one-sided scoreline.

He said: “It was to be expected to be fair. We have only been together 14 weeks.

“Wigan are one of the best rugby league teams in the world. Let’s get it into perspective, I have had these boys in for three hours this week for preparation and Wigan did that on Monday morning.

“The gulf was there for everyone to see but we can take a hell of a lot out of that game today. The players will grow from that from their own experience of playing at this level.”