Retirement on the line: Sam Tomkins and James Roby prepare for semi-final battle with Grand Final glory in mind
James Roby and Sam Tomkins are regarded as two of Super League’s greats and will retire at the end of the season; Both will compete for a place in the grand final at Old Trafford on October 14; watch both semi-finals live on Sky Sports
Last updated: 10/23/05 12:55 PM
Sam Tomkins knows it will be a special atmosphere when he runs home for the last time
Earlier this year, Sam Tomkins announced he would end his illustrious 15-year career, with the England captain and two-time Man of Steel announcing he will retire at the end of the 2023 Super League season.
With three Grand Final wins, two Challenge Cups, two League Leaders Shields and two Man of Steel trophies to his name, Tomkins is one of Super League’s most distinctive heroes and will take his place among the greats of modern time.
Now he has one final goal in mind – to ensure he plays his final game at Old Trafford on October 14 by beating old foes St Helens to get there.
Tomkins grew up as a Wiganer and has had many a battle with the Saints and on Friday night comes another huge clash, a win over St Helens that only sweetens what could be another pivotal moment in the final stages of his career.
“I’m really excited. It’s obviously another big week for us as players,” Tomkins said.
“It’s not just a match, it’s something different and all the things that have been prepared for this weekend, I’m very excited.
“I know this is the last time I’ll play at home, so I’m lucky to have played here before.
“My last match here will be special and I am lucky that my last match here is so big.
“This is important the last time you play on the home field.
“I didn’t expect the club to be such a big part of my life. I thought I would come here for two years and then go back to England, but I have been here for five years, I have had two children in France., so this is our home base.”
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Catalans’ Sam Tomkins described his side’s narrow win against St Helens as their biggest win of the season.
The gravity of the moment for Tomkins is not lost on others in Super League either, with his former teammate and current Wigan Warriors winger Liam Marshall praising what the former England captain has done for the English game.
“I was obviously lucky enough to play for a short period with Sam at Wigan for a few years,” said Marshall.
“Before that I had met him a few times as a kid and looked up to him, he was an absolute superstar when I was in high school.
“I remember going to the games with my friends and being absolutely amazed at what he did on the rugby field.
“To go there and make the impact he has, he really embedded himself in that French culture.
“He’s probably one of the best talents we’ve produced in England and also one of the best we’ve had in Super League. For a few years he was untouchable.”
Robes keeps going: will he get a chance at five in a row?
However, Tomkins stands in the way of four-time champions St Helens, led by James Roby, who is also retiring.
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James Roby runs out for the final time in front of a home St Helens crowd at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
With six Grand Final wins, four Challenge Cups, a Man of Steel, two Harry Sunderland Trophies and the all-time Super League record, Roby’s rugby league career has been hailed as the greatest in the modern era and his side are leading the way a success. unprecedented fifth title in a row if they can get past the Dragons.
Head coach Paul Wellens knows that his team in France faces an enormous challenge if his team, led by Roby, wants to continue their ‘drive for five’.
“I think they are two teams with intensity, who can play at a very high level,” said Wellens.
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James Roby receives a guard of honor after his final home game for St Helens.
“It creates these kinds of matches, it’s very exhausting when you play against Catalans, so we know all too well what we’re up against.
“It’s going to be a very noisy atmosphere, it always is when you go to the south of France, they really stand behind their team.
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James Roby talks about the stress and anxiety he experienced after making the decision to quit rugby league.
“It’s a challenging environment to be in, but one thing is that this year has been a challenge for this club and we’ve had to do things a little differently.
“It’s only fitting that we do things differently at the end of the year. It’s a challenge we’re eager to overcome.”
How to watch
Both semi-finals can be followed live Air sports. Coverage of the match between the Catalans and St. Helens starts on Friday, October 6 at 7:30 PM Sky Sportsmixwith coverage for Wigan’s match against Hull KR from Saturday 7 October at 12.15pm Sky Sports Arena.
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