Sam Tomkins talks Anfield & Camp Nou
30 Mar 2019
It takes some people a career to reach the heights of playing at Camp Nou and Anfield, some people never fulfil a dream to step on that hallowed turf and that’s in football terms, in Rugby League it’s unheard of.
Catalans Dragons’ new signing and superstar, Sam Tomkins, will play in both stadiums in just a week, he’ll have had experience of playing at Anfield, after he played there in England’s international test win against New Zealand.
However, Camp Nou, is a unique stadium, a stadium which he hasn’t played in, it’s home to one of the greatest football teams in the world and has boasted iconic football stars; Lionel Messi, Johan Cruyff, Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona to name a few, albeit the list could have been endless…
Anfield, home to Liverpool FC who are currently fighting for the Premier League title and are still in the Champions League, the world-renowned stand, the Kop, will soon be filled with thousands of Rugby League fans all bustling to see their side perform at Magic Weekend.
Catalans will open the weekend against Wakefield Trinity on the Saturday (KO 2PM), they previously played each other at the Mobile Rocket Stadium, Catalans fell to Trinity 22-12.
“Liverpool is an iconic city with Everton and Liverpool being so close together, and Anfield is a very old and famous stadium, certainly for football fans in England.
“I played there last year against New Zealand and it was a great atmosphere, I think with so many teams being followed there and the support of different clubs it will be something special.
“I love Magic Weekend just because of how good it is for fans, hopefully the weather is good and there’ll be a carnival atmosphere.
“It’s something that the fans certainly get behind, they were brilliant at Newcastle and that was a great venue but Liverpool even more so, it’s a brilliant city and for people that haven’t been it’s an opportunity to see it,?? said Tomkins.
A week earlier, Catalans will be playing at Camp Nou in what is sure to be a landmark moment in a new era for Super League as Catalans host Tomkins’ former side Wigan.
“I think playing there will be much bigger than any other stadium I’ve played at, I’ve been very lucky over the last ten years to play in amazing stadiums all over the world, Camp Nou, will be the next level.
“It’s an iconic stadium and I’ve been there myself and had a tour around it when I was on holiday. I’ve experienced the size of it then and to play on that field will be special.
“We’re going to sit down in the dressing room or go to warm-up in the same place as Lionel Messi, it’s a huge honour, not only for players but for fans, people may have been there before, but they will never have watched a Rugby League game there.
“I’m sure that people will take advantage of that opportunity and hopefully it will happen again, but it may never and hopefully people buy tickets and get down and support us.
“It’s brilliant that it’s against Wigan, my friends who are Wigan supporters and also like Catalans now, they’re all coming over, my friends have all booked their flights,?? added Tomkins.
Don’t forget to purchase your 2019 Dacia Magic Weekend tickets CLICK HERE.
