England captain and two-time Man of Steel Sam Tomkins has introduced that he’ll retire from rugby league on the finish of the season.
The 33-year-old has but to look for his membership Catalans Dragons up to now this time period, having passed through knee surgical treatment within the wake of England’s shattering World Cup semi-final defeat to Samoa.
Tomkins made greater than 200 appearances throughout two spells with Wigan, interspersed with a temporary stint at New Zealand Warriors, and gained the distinguished participant of the yr award two times, in 2012 and 2021.
After transferring to France he used to be an integral a part of the upward thrust of the Catalans, together with their first look in a Grand Final in 2021.
Tomkins used to be incorporated in England’s 2008 World Cup squad and made his world debut the next yr, additionally taking part in within the 2013 match earlier than occurring to captain the crew below present head trainer Shaun Wane.
Tomkins introduced his retirement whilst operating reside for Sky Sports protecting the fit between Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers. He hopes to go back to motion in two or 3 weeks earlier than placing up his boots on the finish of the marketing campaign.
“Unfortunately this is going to be my last season on the field,” Tomkins advised Sky Sports. “I will be able to’t do it for much longer. This yr might be a push and I do know I will be able to get available in the market and carry out this yr, however I’m going to be transferring into a task off the sphere subsequent yr, nonetheless with the Dragons.
“I nonetheless love the sport, I’m nonetheless hooked in to the sport, I wish to play and the remainder of my frame is announcing to proceed, however I’ve were given that many problems in my left knee now that I will be able to’t pass for much longer. It’s been a tricky week and the membership has been in reality supportive.”
He continued: “I’ve always given 100% when I’ve gone on the field and I’ll try to give 110% every time I get out there this year. It’s a strange feeling knowing that it’s coming to an end. Even speaking about it, it doesn’t quite feel real yet.
“I’ve got nothing to lose and this year I want to go out as a winner. I’ve been very lucky to win things in my career, but my hunger now is exactly the same as it was all those years ago when I had no beard and a dodgy mullet.”