17 Apr 2015

Tomkins to rejoin Wigan after Warriors exit

8:54 am on 17 April 2015

The Warriors fullback and England rugby league international Sam Tomkins is to rejoin Wigan for the 2016 European season.

Sam Tomkins looks relieved after announcing his early exit

Sam Tomkins looks relieved after announcing his early exit Photo: Photosport

The Super League side has announced the 26-year-old Tomkins would be returning to the Lancashire club for a transfer fee worth about $400,000 on a four-year contract after two years in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors.

It's been only 18 months since the fullback left Wigan, to join the Warriors for a reported contract of $1.4 million a year.

Tomkins, who left Wigan after their 2013 Grand Final triumph, was released from the last 12 months of his three-year contract with the Auckland-based Warriors after becoming homesick.

Wigan retained first option to re-sign Tomkins in the event of his returning to Super League.

The announcement of his return came during half-time in Wigan's Super League match at home to Warrington at the DW Stadium.

"I am really happy to have this sorted and to be returning home to Wigan," Tomkins said on the big screen.

"All of my friends and family live in Wigan, a lot of them play for Wigan. It really was a no-brainer for me when I sat down and thought about things."

Tomkins is the third England international to rejoin Wigan in the past 12 months.

"My sole focus for the remainder of 2015 is to help the Warriors make the play-offs as we look to mount a serious challenge for the NRL Premiership."

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