Kris Radlinski hints at illegal approach by Catalans for Sam Tomkins

Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski said he was surprised at how early Catalans made an approach to sign Sam Tomkins.

It was confirmed on Monday that Tomkins will leave the Warriors at the end of the season. Catalans Dragons later confirmed the signing of Tomkins on a three-year deal, with the option of a further year from next season.

The rule for clubs to speak to other players who are off-contract at the end of the season is from May 1 onwards.

Radlinski has hinted that Catalans began talks with Tomkins ahead of the aforementioned date.

He said: “It came as a surprise to us that another club had engaged with Sam so early in the year when the deadline for approaching a player under contract is at the end of April.

“We have made our feelings known about this to the club involved.”

Radlinski has no hard feelings with Tomkins though and wished him well in Perpignan.

He added: “In situations like this, there is nothing that the club can do other than be generous, fair and wish the player well.

“Nothing lasts forever – and as a club we have to constantly evolve. Players will come and players will go.

“All we ever ask is that players give their all for the badge whilst they are at Wigan. Sam has done that and more – and will continue to do so until he can no longer. Being the competitive and ultimate professional that he is, I have no doubt that Sam will want to go out as a winner this season.

“Discovering, developing and getting the best out of players like Sam Tomkins is what we do here at Wigan. That will never stop.”