SAM Tomkins knows the script is written for him to ride off in a blaze of glory – but to him, it is all child’s play.
For advice he received from his granddad Joe is just as applicable now as it was when he got it as a young child – spaces, not faces.
The Super League icon has one final game to cap his glittering career, guiding Catalans Dragons to a historic first Grand Final victory over hometown club Wigan.
He has already won three titles with the Warriors, played in the NRL and starred for England.
Despite all he has achieved, that guidance still rings true as he hopes to give his own four children – Rex, Caine, Dylan and Pippa – a moment they will never forget.
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Tomkins, who cannot remember how old he was when he was given the tip as he was that young, said: “The spaces, not faces adage still applies now – although it’s more so I don’t get injured!
“Now it’s just about running as quickly as I can into spaces not faces.”
When the final hooter goes at Old Trafford, their friendship will be back on after it goes on hold for 80 minutes tomorrow.
So much so, they congratulated each other when they booked their place, with Tomkins’ last gasp try sealing a 12-6 semi-final win over St Helens.
Farrell said: “I told Sam afterwards, ‘You’ve still got it.’
Tomkins replied: “I can’t say what I sent Faz, the words aren’t printable!
“He said, ‘Congrats, you’ve still got it.’ I said, ‘I hope you do it against Hull KR', which they did and after the game, I dropped him a well done message.
“It’s funny having good friends on the other side of the fence. I’ve played against Wigan many time, just not in a final, but I’m used to that and after the final hooter we’ll be good friend again.
“For 80 minutes, though, we’re competitors. I know my friends will be just as competitive as me and we play the sport to win.”
Farrell added: “Sam’s always been competitive – it’s bred into you as a young lad at Wigan. He’s competitive in everything he does.
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“Sam’s been an outstanding player for a very long time, he deserves to go out in a Grand Final. But we’ll show him the ultimate respect by giving him the best of us.”
Even if Catalans take the Super League trophy across the Channel to Perpignan, much of their success would be formed in Wigan.
As well as Tomkins, there is Tom Davies, Michael McIlorum and Romain Navarrete – but the town and its impact is undoubtable.
The man who grew up in the Swinley area of the town added: “Wigan rugby was the biggest part of my life from being 12-years-old, when I was asked to go on the scholarship.
“I wanted to then play in the academy, then your one objective is to play one Super League game. When you do that, they grow and grow.
“Wigan is a huge part of the player I am and the person I am. The majority of my rugby’s been played in a cherry and white jersey. I’m massively thankful to the club and the people there for giving me that opportunity.”
Had things been different, Tomkins would have been in a different sporting arena – cutting the grass on a golf course as he was an apprentice greenkeeper when he was taken on.
Now after becoming a Wigan icon, he has one last go at becoming a Catalans immortal by beating the club where it all started after falling in love with France.
Tomkins continued: “I didn’t expect the club to be such a big part of my life. I thought I was coming for two or three years before heading back to England.
“I’ve been here for five years and had two children in France, it’s home for us. Catalans turned into a club I love.
“Someone asked me about whether I’m seen as a Wigan player or a Catalans player. A lot of people see me now as a Dragons player but my kids have only seen me as a Catalans player.
“They went to Wigan when they were babies but they don’t remember that. It’s as big for my kids as anyone else.
“Last Friday was the last time I played at home and I thought about it.
“I decided I was retiring earlier this year and every week people have said, ‘It’s your last time doing something. Your last time at Wigan or your last time playing at St Helens.’
“None of those really mattered but that one did.”
