But as time went on the Warriors emerged as favourites.

One of England's greatest players, Martin Offiah, said Tomkins would bring his winning attitude to the Warriors.

''Apart from his skills and physical attributes, Sam is a winner,'' Offiah said. ''He is a person who wants to test himself and, like most players, he wants to test himself in the best league in the world. He has won most things, the Man of Steel, Super League titles and the Challenge Cup. He will get to test himself in the World Cup soon, too.

''If it is true and he does move on into the NRL, then I wish him all the best. I had a couple of stints playing in Australia during my time, for St George and Easts, and it was a fantastic lifestyle.''

Offiah, who scored 501 tries during his 14-year career, is an ambassador for the World Cup in England later this year.