'I can't say never' Sam Tomkins open to extended return if Super League comeback goes to plan

Sam Tomkins has not completely ruled out playing beyond the end of the season after his dramatic retirement U-turn. Tomkins, one of Super League's all-time greats, will make a sensational return to the field this weekend after deciding to return to the field less than a year since hanging up the boots.

The 35-year-old, a four-time Super League champion and former England captain, has agreed to play the remainder of the year for Catalans Dragons, the club where he ended his career and is currently employed to work on their recruitment.

He retired following long-term knee issues, however he revealed that the injury has improved significantly since retiring and was pain-free. That has potentially opened the door for a more prolonged return, though he was reluctant to commit either way until seeing how his body holds up to the rigours of Super League.

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Asked if he would consider playing on next year, Tomkins told Rugby Leauge Live: "I don't know yet. I'll see how I play and see how I feel. Let me get my feet back on the field before I start deciding what I'm going to do next year.

"I'm 35, I was happily retired and I'm pretty sure that in October I'll still be 35 and I'll be happily retired again. I didn't think I'd be coming back now so I can't say never. I just don't want to say definitely not and then come out with another 'oh, Sam's back playing again'. I'm pretty sure I won't be but never say never. If anyone wants a 35-year-old next year, I'll be 36 in March, I'd certainly listen to it if I felt as though I was able."

For now, Tomkins appeared confident in his ability to make a successful return to the field. He stated that he was willing "to play every minute he was asked," while physically, he weighs less than he did while he was playing.

"I didn't know how much my knee would improve with doing nothing," he said. "I spoke to some experts in the field and they've said there's nothing better than completely resting, which you never get the luxury of as an athlete. It's improved more than I thought; I'm not saying I'm coming back with a perfect knee, don't get me wrong, there will be some issues come October and I'm fully aware of that. But right now it's in a pretty good state and it's something I'm willing to do.

"It's improved more than I thought; I'd had so much pain in it for so long I just didn't think it would improve as much as it has. I don't feel like I'm 21 again but I feel capable."

He added: "I know the issues I've got with my knee but the medical staff know it better than I do. It was in a much better position than it was at the start of 2023 when I didn't plan on playing as many games and ended up playing about 20, but I'm in a much stronger position. I've got half a season to do and that's why we knew after speaking with the conditioning staff that it was doable."