England full-back Sam Tomkins has signed a new five-year contract that will keep him at Wigan through the 2016 season.
Tomkins will not be following brother Joel to union
England full-back Sam Tomkins has signed a new contract that will keep him at Wigan through the 2016 season.
The deal, which makes the 22-year-old the highest paid player in Super League, also stipulates that Tomkins must not speak to Rugby Union or NRL clubs for the next three years in the wake of
brother Joel's move to Saracens on Monday.
Joel Tomkins was contracted to Wigan until 2015 but union side Saracens bought him out of that deal.
"We are thrilled that we have reached an agreement with Sam for his long term future," said Wigan's owner and chairman Ian Lenagan.
"The new contract will rightly make Sam one of the highest paid players in the club's history in recognition of his outstanding talents which he has demonstrated at both club and international level.
"It shows the strength of the sport and the Wigan club that we are able to invest in such an exceptional player within the salary cap. I am fully aware of rugby union's interest in Sam, however it gives me great pride that we are able to retain and reward one of the sports brightest talents.
"I am also confident that for the right person we are able to offer a more attractive package than any other club in either code."
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Lenagan revealed Wigan have taken advantage of amendments to the Super League salary cap to help keep him in the game.
The Rugby Football League are sticking with a £1.7million ceiling but clubs are to be given permission to make allowances for long-serving, marquee and home-grown players in an effort to prevent a drain of talent to Australia and the 15-man code.
"He is entitled to be paid what he is worth," he added. "He is in my opinion going to be the best player on the planet, rugby union or rugby league.
"There is no question of Sam going anywhere for the next three years at least but eventually, rather like Jason Robinson, when he has won everything three times over, there is always the possibility of the NRL or rugby union."
Tomkins added: "I am delighted to have agreed this new contract with the club and that my long term future is assured. Playing for Wigan means everything to me having come through the Academy and reserve grades.
"Being a part of the Grand Final success last year and Challenge Cup victory this season are the highlights of my career so far. I am extremely excited with what the future holds under new head coach Shaun Wane and am looking forward to what the next five years will bring both for me as a player and for the Wigan Club."
