Sam Tomkins: Catalans cup win can only be good for growth of club

Sam Tomkins thinks a Challenge Cup win for Catalans can be the catalyst for the club winning more trophies.

The Dragons beat Warrington Wolves 20-14 in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday to become the first ever non-British team to lift the trophy. It was also their first ever major trophy.

Wigan star Tomkins will link up with Catalans ahead of next season on a four-year deal and he is even more excited to have joined the French club.

He said: “When I signed for Catalans, it wasn’t looking as rosey as it is now.

“The set up now is a lot different to when I signed. At the time, they weren’t guaranteed a top-eight finish and now they’ve gone and won the Challenge Cup. I think a trophy in the south of France can only grow the club.

“Bernard [Guasch, owner] has put a lot of time, money and effort into that club so it’s probably a reward for what he’s done over the last 10 years.

“They are a very passionate club who have got great fans as I’m sure everyone knows. I’m excited to join the club with one of the big two trophies.”

Ireland ace Micky McIlorum starred for the Dragons in their Challenge Cup final victory and Tomkins was full of praise for his former team-mate and old friend.

He added: “Micky has been their best player all year, he’s phenomenal.

“He’s the type of player that makes players around him better.

“He does little things in games that almost guilt’s other people into doing them, little things people won’t notice but little efforts that make such a difference. He does that week in, week out and he’s worth his value at Catalans.”