Wigan's Sam Tomkins aims to preserve 100 per cent record in finals
Thursday 24 August 2017 15:25, UK
Sam Tomkins says he is aiming to preserve his 100 per cent record in finals as the Wigan Warriors gear up to face Hull FC at Wembley on Saturday.
Victorious in Wigan's visits to Wembley in 2011 and 2013 and in two of their Grand Final triumphs, Tomkins is something of a lucky charm, with the Warriors' two recent Old Trafford defeats coming during his stint in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors.
Despite his success, Tomkins' appetite for silverware is as strong as ever as he targets a Challenge Cup hat-trick at the expense of Hull.
"That's why you play the game, you want to play on the big stage," he said. "It's what every rugby league player has in common.
"I've been very lucky, I've played in four finals for Wigan and won four but the Challenge Cup is special. I've enjoyed winning it twice and I want to win it again.
"Wembley ticks all the boxes. You never get bored of it, you never know when you're next one will be so you've got to make sure you do everything you can."
Tomkins scored a last-minute try that put the seal on a 16-0 win over Hull at Wembley four years ago, and the full-back went on to help Wigan complete the double with victory at Old Trafford six weeks later to bow out on a high as embarked on his journey down under.
"Yes 2013 was special because I knew I wasn't going to be at the club the year after," the 28-year-old added.
"I wanted to finish on a high and amazingly got to do the double that year. It was special then but it will be equally as special to come back and win it."
Tomkins' Wembley success mirrors that of his club, who have a remarkable record of 17 wins from 24 appearances and are aiming for a record-extending 20th triumph.
"We're a club that demands success," Tomkins admits. "We've been very lucky to win a lot of trophies in recent years and that just adds a bit of pressure I think. You are sort of expected to win big games.
"We'll be expecting to see the Hull side that played the quarter-final against Castleford. I think that was probably their best performance of the year, they were brilliant that day.
"I think we're playing some good stuff but there are still areas where we need to improve, not only to win this game but to get us into the semi-final for the Grand Final. We're not over the moon but we're happy with our form."
