Sam Tomkins is out of contract later this year

The Wigan Observer understands coach Steve McNamara is keen to get the full-back on board for 2019.

Tomkins is out of contract at the end of this season.

Wigan do have a one-year option on his deal – which, if they exercised, would keep him at the club next year.

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And it was unclear earlier today, after the Dragons’ interest was confirmed by a source in the south of France, what the intentions of either Tomkins or the Warriors management are.

But Catalans’ interest is very real and they are thought to be preparing an offer to try and persuade him to finish his career in the south of France.

If he left, it would stun many Wigan fans.

He burst on the scene in 2008 and quickly became a fans’ favourite.

The 2012 Man of Steel moved to the NRL with New Zealand Warriors but returned home after two years, becoming Super League’s first ‘marquee’ player – meaning a portion of his lucrative deal does not count on the salary cap. His last two seasons have been disrupted by injury but he has started this year in terrific form, and he opened the scoring in yesterday’s 44-6 win against Hull KR.

McNamara, who signed Micky McIlorum from Wigan earlier this year, is trying to change the culture at the Dragons after years of under-achievement.

And Tomkins has pinged on his radar as a high-profile target.

They previously worked together in the England set-up including the 2013 World Cup.

Tomkins turns 30 next March and so whatever he decides, it could be the last contract of his career. Wigan travel to face Catalans on Saturday.