Sam Tomkins says Cronulla Sharks are favourites in World Club Series tie with Wigan Warriors
Monday 13 February 2017 16:59, UK
Sam Tomkins acknowledges Betfred Super League champions Wigan Warriors go into this weekend’s Dacia World Club Series fixture with Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks as the underdogs.
Cronulla ended a 43-year wait for the NRL title in 2016, and visit the DW Stadium on Sunday afternoon, live on Sky Sports 2.
"It's a big occasion," Tomkins told Sky Sports News HQ.
"We're lucky at Wigan because we are a pretty successful club. We've won three World Club trophies [in 1987, 1991 and 1994] before but this one is huge for us.
"We'll go into the game as underdogs and deservedly so because Cronulla are a good side but the boys are ready to go now."
Wigan were outclassed by Brisbane Broncos last year, losing 42-12, but Tomkins believes they are better for that experience and is confident the Warriors will be much better defensively against the Sharks.
"I think we have learnt that we need to stick to our game plan," the Wigan full-back said.
"We never really got out of the blocks [last year] and it wasn't a great day for us.
Live World Club Series Rugby League
"Although the effort was there, there were things that were just going wrong that don't normally for us.
"We'll learn from that. I think defence is going to be key. Cronulla have got strike all over the field and players that can break from anywhere so that will be our main focus."
NRL teams have dominated the World Club Series, emerging as overall winners in the last three seasons, but Cronulla's Gerard Beale knows his side cannot afford to be complacent this weekend.
"I feel like it will be [a fiery affair]," the Sharks utility back said.
"We don't look at past results even though the NRL last year had great results. We don't expect it to be easy, or that way, this year so we're certainly making sure we are doing everything right.
"We have an experienced team and whenever there is a big occasion you find the boys seem to rise and the way we look at it is that this is another chance to win a trophy.
"I guess [why the NRL sides have thrived recently] is because the NRL comp is so strong. Each week it's so competitive. But Wigan have a quality side and can beat any NRL team."
