Man of Steel Contenders: Sam Tomkins

Sam Tomkins has added something special to the French side in 2021. He helped them make history by lifting the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time and secure a home Semi-Final tonight at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

Tomkins’ performances this year have had a lot of people talking - including former coach Shaun Wane - who awarded him captaincy of the England national side earlier in the season when they faced the Combined Nations.

The 32-year-old full back is no stranger to silverware - he's lifted the Betfred Super League Grand Final trophy three times previous with his former side, Wigan Warriors, of whom he also lifted the Challenge Cup trophy with twice. 

Catalans' fans will be desperate for Tomkins to lean on his seasoned experience and lead the Dragons to a maiden trip to Old Trafford on October 9.

Although he will likely contest it’s not about individual trophies, Tomkins is familiar with the highest accolade in Super League, having won the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award in 2012.

In 2021, his consistently immense performances have seen him rise to the top of both the Super League table, as well as the Man of Steel table when it went dark now seven rounds ago. And now, Tomkins holds a top five position in the 2021 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel contenders list.

When asked who should be named Man of Steel 2021, fellow contender and tonight's Semi-Final opponent, Jordan Abdull told us “Sam Tomkins, one hundred percent”.

“I think as someone who by age is probably at the back end of his career, it looks like he’s rolled back the years from when he was coming through the system at Wigan. He’s adapted his game a little bit, but I don’t think anyone else has been able to get near him this year.

“I think I troubled him one game with a couple of kicks, then we played them a week later and he caught every single one – I think he could’ve caught them blindfolded”.

“I just think he’s been next level this year and above and beyond everybody else I’ve played against this season”.

During his 19 games this season, Tomkins has been directly involved in 30 of the Dragons tries, racking up 10 tries and an impressive 20 assists, alongside 66 tackles busts.

That man Sam 👏

Dragons go ahead at #MagicWeekend live on Sky Sports #SuperLeague #SLStHCat pic.twitter.com/BMvVQfW9l4
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 4, 2021

Commenting on his contributions, former Dragons player and member of the Man of Steel panel Jerome Guisset said “Sam Tomkins is again just part of anything good the Dragons are doing”.

“He adds pace to the offence and always an individual threat. He manages to stay calm and always keeps great positioning”.

Will Tomkins be crowned the 2021 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel? Find out on Monday 4 October live on Sky Sports Mix from 8.30pm.