11 February 2024 , 06:00
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Sam Tomkins reckons Warrington boss Sam Burgess is one of Super League’s biggest signings - but won’t stop the “usual suspects” battling for glory.
The new season kicks off with a hugely-anticipated Hull derby on Thursday. And plenty of eyes will be on superstar Burgess when he takes charge of Wolves for the first time in Perpignan on Saturday.
But ex-England captain Tomkins, who retired after Catalans’ Grand Final heartache against Wigan in October, believes it will take some effort to deny the leading clutch.
He said: “St Helens will be strong. Daryl Clark will make a big difference. They had to replace James Roby with a top player and they have that in Clark who’s the best attacking nine in the competition. He’ll have a big impact.
“On the back of a successful season, Wigan have made some good signings, too. They’ll be up there. It will be the usual suspects. Although we’ve lost a few players at Catalans, the ones we’ve signed are quality so I can see the Dragons being good. I don’t think we’re going to have any bolters like Leigh this year.”
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Warrington went from early leaders to big losers last year but hope Burgess will inspire them to a first title in almost 70 years. Tomkins, 34, played alongside the iconic South Sydney great for England. He said: “It’s strange because Warrington’s biggest signing is the coach.
“They’ve not particularly signed anyone special but have got a bloke in who players will want to play for.He was a great leader as a player and I’m sure he’ll want to bring that to his coaching role. Warrington haven’t really had any excuses: they’ve had strong squads for a long time and not performed. Will Sam be the X Factor they need? I think he’ll have a huge impact.”
Sam Tomkins in his last game before retirement - the 2023 Super League Grand Final (PA)Former Wigan star Tomkins will start a new career on the other side of the camera this year as he joins Sky Sports’ pundit team. And he feels Leeds, who have signed ex-Man of Steel Brodie Croft and England hooker Andy Ackers from Salford, and Huddersfield will be clubs feeling the heat. Tomkins said: "Rhinos need to do something.
“They’ve not done anything for a while. I’m sure their attack will be a lot more in sync with Croft and Ackers - it’s an instant fix - and Rohan Smith needs that. At Huddersfield, Ian Watson is under pressure. Last year he said he’d his best squad they’ve ever had and they did nothing. They need to improve. It’s his fourth year now and he’s not changed a great deal.”
The former Man of Steel is excited to see ex-Kangaroos stand-off Matt Moylan enhance Leigh - “on his day he’s one of the best attacking players in rugby” - and envisages his ex-Catalans stand-off Tyrone May hitting it off with England young gun Mikey Lewis at Hull KR.
But Tomkins is fearful for newly-promoted London who start at Saints on Friday. He said: “They’re up against it: I think they’re preparing to get relegated before a ball is kicked. If they finish anywhere apart from bottom it will be deemed a success.
“Castleford will be better than last year but can’t be much worse. They’ll be fit and hungry so will probably out enthuse some teams which they didn’t have the luxury of last year. Salford must find a new way to attack after losing Croft, Ackers and both their wingers [Ken Sio/Joe Burgess].”