Sam Tomkins lured abroad again by Catalans' '˜big ambitions'

Sam Tomkins will leave Wigan Warriors for Catalans Dragons next season.

SAM TOMKINS says the chance to work with his former England coach Steve McNamara is one reason he opted to leave Wigan Warriors for Catalans Dragons.

The French club has finally confirmed they have secured the full-back – the world’s costliest player – on a three-year deal starting in 2019.

Wigan, though, were unhappy about Catalans’ approach for Tomkins, saying they made it before the May 1 deadline.

Still, the 29-year-old – offered reduced terms by Wigan – will leave his hometown club for a move overseas for a second time having initially joined New Zealand Warriors in 2013.

It clears the way for Wigan to announce they have signed former Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and England full-back Zak Hardaker for 2019 once his drugs ban expires.

“After speaking with Catalans it was clear the club has big ambitions and I want to be part of that,” said Tomkins, although Dragons currently sit bottom of Super League.

“I have worked with Steve for five years at international level and I am looking forward to working with him again.”

Wakefield Trinity prop Jordan Baldwinson, 23, has joined Championship Leigh Centurions on a one-month loan.

He can debut at former club Featherstone Rovers on Saturday.

Hull KR’s Danny Tickle received a Grade A penalty notice for the punching offence that saw him red-carded against Wigan, meaning he is free to face Hull FC in the derby at Magic Weekend.

Hull’s Challenge Cup quarter-final at St Helens will be televised by the BBC on Sunday, June 3 (3.30pm) with Warrington v Wigan on the previous day (2.30pm).

Sky Sports broadcast Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Centurions (Friday, June 1, 7.35pm) and Huddersfield Giants v Catalans (Thursday, May 31, 7.35pm).