Re: The Wigan Envy-O-Meter. : Sun Mar 22, 2015 3:36 pm
bewareshadows wrote:
I'd argue Tomkins is not a centre. For me he is always a second rower. But other than that, they do seem to be missing some bulk.
To be honest, I'm not sure what Tomkins is. Sure, he's big, quick and has good hands. But he doesn't seem to possess a great rugby brain (which is a problem if he's playing at centre) and he doesn't exercise his clear advantage in physicality in defence (which is a problem if he's playing in the pack).
A rugby brain is something you're born with. It's not something you can impart to a player on the training pitch. But running your weight and hitting the same in defence is purely a question of determination and commitment.
His development has been severely impaired by his time mud-wrestling down south. Had he stayed at Wigan I think he would have been forced to address his lack of physical involvement or face being shipped out. Either way, Wigan would be better off than they are right now.
His future really is in his own hands. I guess his performance this year (when he can offer no excuses) will go a long way to determining his legacy for those looking back from the future.
