LIAM Farrell knows whatever the language, Sam Tomkins is one of Catalans’ most vocal threats.
The Wigan skipper has played alongside the Dragons star at their hometown club and for England.
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Now as he faces his pal for what may be the final time before Tomkins retires, if the sides finish first and second at the end of the regular season the only other possibility is at the Grand Final, he is all too aware of his attributes.
Be that in English, French or Wiganese.
Farrell said of Tomkins’ French vocal talents towards opponents and officials: “He does that very well too!
“But I don’t really need to say much about him. He’s been at it all the way from being 20-year-old to being 34 now – he’s still at the top of his game.
“He’s one of the best players Super League has had. When he’s on your team, he’s great. When he’s against you, you’ve got to have your eyes on him at all times.
“The biggest compliment I can pay to Sam is he’s a competitor. If you asked him to play prop, hooker or full back, he’ll give you the same effort.
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“As he’s got older, he’s got very smart.
“I’ve always been a massive supporter of Catalans. They’ve been in for 17 years and you’re starting to see a club that’s got a good foundation and starting to win silverware.
“They’re only going to keep growing. If we want to be up there competing this year, we’ve got to put a good marker down. We’re up against the best team in the competition at the moment.”
Tomkins is not the only homegrown threat to Wigan today as Steve McNamara’s men go for the League Leaders’ Shield.
Winger Tom Davies came through at the Warriors before heading to the south of France – and the man who gave him a chance stands in his way.
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Wigan boss Matt Peet was head of youth when he was spotted playing for amateur side Wigan St Patricks.
His faith was rewarded, now it may bite him as he recalled: “It was a bumpy road for Tom at the start as he wasn’t on any scholarship.
“I brought him to our academy on trial. He was playing well at amateur Under-18s but it was clear from his effort he was going to either make it or die trying.
“He was ultra-intense every day, did more extras than anyone else. Everything he’s got in the game, he’s earned.
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“Tom was at St Pats and chief scout Jack Roden told me about him. I’d heard his name from a few local coaches too.
“There was no payment for the first few months but it didn’t take him long to earn a contract. His dedication is pretty relentless.
“From any setbacks, he’s come back fitter, faster and stronger.
“And I learned so much from Sam, watching how he goes about his work. His leadership and how he sets standards is what I took from him.”