• Podcast
  • ARL
    • Indigenous All Stars v NRL All Stars
    • Rugby League State Of Origin
  • NRL
    • 2025 NRL Draw
    • 2024 NRL Draw
    • 2023 NRL Draw
    • 2022 NRL Draw
    • 2021 NRL Draw
    • 2022 NRL Podcast
    • 2020 NRL Draw
    • 2015 NRL Draw
    • 2014 NRL Draw
  • ESL
    • International Origin
    • Challenge Cup
  • World
    • World Club Challenge
    • World Cup
    • Rugby League 9’s
    • NRL Auckland Nines Draw
  • Sports
    • AFL
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
  • Guest Writers
  • League Freak
    • NRL Tipping Experts
    • Web Site News
    • Sponsorship
    • Uncategorized

The Glorious League Freak – Covering Rugby League World Wide – LeagueFreak.com

  • Home
  • Podcast
  • NRL Rumours
  • RL World 9’s
  • Features
    • Player Profiles And News
  • History
    • History Books
    • The Super League War
      • The Super League War – The Clubs
      • The Super League War – The Freak
      • The Super League War – The Extras
  • Quotes
  • Look-Alikes
  • Teams
  • Rankings
  • Media
  • About
    • Bio
    • League Freaks Commentary Career
    • Contact
    • League Freak On Twitter
    • I Am Not A Journalist
    • Contribute To LeagueFreak.com
    • League Freak Mentions In The Media
    • Advertise On This Website
    • Rugby League RSS Feed
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Google+
    • RSS Feed
    • Linked
    • Youtube

Clive Woodward Allowed Sam Tomkins To Play In The NRL According To Clive Woodward

Nov 01, 2013 League Freak Rugby Union 0


Former England Rugby Union coach Clive Woodward has caused a bit of a backlash in a long winded article about the English Rugby Union team. In his his Mail Online article Woodward came off like a bloke that has had too many people blowing smoke up his arse. The type of self important bullshit that Rugby Union types are so good at dishing out.

One particular part of his article angered Rugby League fans. This quote:

“Outside centre is the one big question mark for this generation of England players. Sam Tomkins was born to play 13 for England and we should never have allowed him to leave the country to play rugby league in New Zealand.”

Nice one Clive!

The reaction was pretty swift by Rugby League fans and rightfully so. Looking past the fact that Sam Tomkins doesn’t play Rugby Union, the idea that Rugby Union “allowed” Tomkins to take up a very lucrative contract with the New Zealand Warriors smasks of arrogance.

One thing many people didn’t pick up on was that Woodward listed Sonny Bill Williams as a Rugby Union player as well. You have top wonder how much Woodward actually knows about Rugby Union, especially when he considers Quade Cooper one of the “podium” players in the game, what ever that shit is all about.

One interesting thing about Woodward’s article was his open minded view on the game of Rugby Union in England.

I’ve said for a long time that Rugby League in England is very insular in many ways and it hinders the games ability to expand. There is an overwhemling feeling in English Rugby League that the game is a northern sport, that no one else cares about Rugby League and therefore they do not deserve to follow the game. Woodward obviously feels that Rugby Union owns all of England, and whether you think he is right or not, you have to admit that there are very few people in Rugby League within England that have a whole of nation approach to the greatest game of all.

The other thing to take from this article is a lesson about the worth of certain players.

When Sonny Bill Williams left Rugby League he did so because he felt he was being underpaid. Over the years plenty of Rugby League types said the words “We should never have allowed him to leave”.

Arrogant, right?

When it comes down to it, if Rugby Union had really wanted Sam Tomkins, they should have paid him what he is worth.

Now I’m not saying Sam Tomkins is worth what the New Zealand Warriors are paying him. They have invested a lot of money to get Tomkins on their books. In an open market a player is worth what the highest bidder is willing to pay them. If you really want to sign that player, its really simple. You pay them what they are worth.

Sam Tomkins made the decision to leave Wigan, to leave England, and go to the other side of the world to play in the National Rugby League. He didn’t even go somewhere like Sydney, the Gold Coast or North Queensland for the the big lifestyle change. He went to Auckland. I’m not bagging Auckland but lets be honest, he didn’t go there for the lifestyle.

It is a big move for Tomkins. One I’m sure he simply couldn’t refuse because of the money on offer.

Rugby League should learn a few lessons out of Sam Tomkins and Sonny Bill Williams. If you want to hold onto these headliners, you have to pay them what they are worth in an open market where the likes of Clive Woodward are hoping to snag these type of players.

The leather patch brigade are a funny lot. They like to have digs at Rugby League while looking on with envy at the innovations and athletes the game produces. The 2013 Rugby League World Cups overwhelming success should be the stepping stone for the game to build a credible international calender. With the NRL driving the game financially, Rugby League is in a pretty good place right now.

The likes of Clive Woodward will continue to eye Rugby League talent. It is up to Rugby League to make sure that the closest they get to our talent is watching from afar.

  • Tweet
  • Share 0
  • Reddit
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn 0
  • Email

Related


  • Quade Cooper, Rugby Union, Sam Tomkins, Sonny Bill Williams
  • tweet
Daniel Nichols - Canterbury Bulldogs Season Review Daniel Nichols - North Queensland Cowboys Season Review

League Freak

A well known Rugby League writer, League Freak has established a reputation among supporters of the game for his fearless commentary and unmatched insight. With a reach that spans both sides of the globe, League Freak has produced an independent network that allows him to distribute content to his many thousands of followers. He is the owner and main author of LeagueFreak.com

Related articles
  • Rugby League Around the World: Exploring Its Popularity and Development in Other Countries
    Rugby League Around the World:...

    Mar 17, 2023 0

  • The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The Six Nations Tournament
    The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The...

    Mar 04, 2023 0

  • Top 5 Best Australian Rugby Players of All Time
    Top 5 Best Australian Rugby Players of...

    Mar 01, 2023 0


You must log in to post a comment.

League Freaks Social Network

Follow League Freak on:

Become a Patron!

Ziad Warwar
Nadine
Coojee
Adam
Andy
jamescunni
Lisa
Rugby League Project
Karsten Brumme
Samuel
Sandy
Katey
Jack
Terry
Gibbo

RSS Fergo and The Freak Podcast

  • There's Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby League Today!
  • The 2023 NRL Season Preview
  • The First #AskKenty Of 2023
  • League Freak HUMILIATED As St Helens Beat Penrith To Win The World Club Challenge
  • Street Food In Castleford And The Patron Saint Of Divorce
  • We Will Learn A Lot This Season
  • Breaking In The New Studio As We Talk About Rugby League!
  • Getting Your Kids Into Rugby League With Julie
  • Taken Completely Out Of Context
  • 2022 Fergo and The Freak Christmas Special
  • Fixing S**t Lists Put Out By Fox Sports
  • Rating Everything About The 2022 Rugby League World Cup Out Of Ten
  • Where Have These Two Been?
  • The 2022 Rugby League World Cup Isn't Supposed To Be A Training Run...
  • The Truth About The 2022 Rugby League World Cup!

Polls

In The On Field Quality Of Super League Games Getting Better Or Worse?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...
  • Polls Archive

Latest Rugby League Articles

  • Rugby League Around the World: Exploring Its Popularity and Development in Other Countries
    Rugby League Around the World: Exploring Its Popularity and...

    Mar 17, 2023 0

  • Podcast: There’s Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby League Today!
    Podcast: There’s Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby...

    Mar 15, 2023 0

  • The Panthers Attack Needs To Evolve Or They Will Struggle To Win The Threepeat
    The Panthers Attack Needs To Evolve Or They Will Struggle To...

    Mar 06, 2023 0

  • The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The Six Nations Tournament
    The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The Six Nations Tournament

    Mar 04, 2023 0

  • Podcast: The 2023 NRL Season Preview
    Podcast: The 2023 NRL Season Preview

    Mar 02, 2023 0

Follow League Freak on Twitter

My Tweets

Tags

Andrew Ferguson (375) ARL (62) Australia (159) Benji Marshall (90) Billy Slater (78) Broadcasting Deal (68) Cameron Smith (60) Channel 9 (74) Daniel Nichols (122) Disgrace (77) Eligibility Rules (64) England (143) Expansion (85) Fergo And The Freak (466) Greg Inglis (100) Guest Writer (337) Israel Folau (71) Jarryd Hayne (78) Johnathan Thurston (82) League Freak (537) Leeds Rhinos (59) Marketing (67) Matthew Elliott (71) Mitchell Pearce (64) New South Wales (106) New Zealand (143) NRL Finals (63) NRL Salary Cap (96) Paul Gallen (64) Phil Gould (59) Player Movement (132) Podcast (490) Queensland (84) Referees (78) RFL (144) Rugby League History (78) Rugby Union (209) Sam Burgess (63) Sonny Bill Williams (91) State Of Origin (181) St Helens (69) Todd Carney (62) Wayne Bennett (83) Wigan (59) World Cup (182)
As featured on NewsNow: NRL newsNRL News 24/7

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Blogroll

  • The Glorious League Freak.
  • League Freak on Twitter
  • League Freak on Facebook
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours
  • RLWorld9s.com

Facebook Pages

  • NRL Gossip
  • NRL Infinite

Features

  • King Of Rugby League
  • Rugby League Look-Alikes
  • Biggest Winning Margins In Rugby League History
  • Biggest Crowds In Rugby League History
  • Rugby League Quotes
  • Rugby League Dictionary
  • The Super League War
  • The New Zealand Haka
  • Funny Rugby League Teams
  • Rugby League Rankins Lists
  • NRL Rumours
  • IHateRugbyUnion.com
  • NRL History
  • NRL History Books
  • Record Books
  • Player Profiles

NBA Links

  • NBA Rookie Of The Year
  • NBA MVP Winner List
  • NBA Finals MVPs

Other Links

  • Submit Your Australian Blog
  • Best Junk Hauling Virginia
  • Gutter Cleaning Service Virginia
  • Best Lawn Mowing Service Virginia
  • 2020 NRL Draw
  • Hot Toys Australia

Other Sports

  • Clutch Fans
  • Sportette

Players

  • Cameron Smith
  • Kalyn Ponga
  • Sonny Bill Williams
  • Jarryd Hayne
  • Andrew Johns
  • Semi Radradra
  • Sam Burgess
  • Benji Marshall
  • James Tedesco
  • Cooper Cronk
  • Johnathan Thurston
  • Anthony Mundine
  • Sam Tomkins
  • Greg Inglis
  • Jamie Peacock
  • Ntahan Cleary

Rugby League

  • Rugby League Project
  • Era Of The Biff
  • Darryl's Rugby League
  • Jamie Lyon Web
  • Rugby League Review
  • Rugby League Ratings
  • NRL CEO Fantasy League
  • QLD Panthers
  • Andrew Ferguson's Website!
  • Black Swans RLFC
  • InternationalRL
  • 2021 Rugby League World Cup
  • Rugby League Mums
  • Player Profiles
  • 2024 NRL Draw
  • Watch NRL Games Online
  • NRL Tipping Experts

Rugby League Podcast

  • Best Rugby League Podcast
  • Best NRL Podcast
  • Best Super League Podcast
  • Best Australian Podcast
  • Best Sports Podcast
  • Funniest Podcast
  • Best Comedy Podcast
  • NRL Radio
  • 2021 NRL Podcast
  • Spotify NRL Podcasts
Google+
  • National Rugby League
  • Rugby League State Of Origin
  • Brisbane Broncos
  • Canberra Raiders
  • Canterbury Bulldogs
  • Cronulla Sharks
  • Gold Coast Titans
  • Manly Sea Eagles
  • Melbourne Storm
  • The 2029 Rugby League World Cup
  • New Zealand Warriors
  • Newcastle Knights
  • North Queensland Cowboys
  • Parramatta Eels
  • Penrith Panthers
  • Redcliffe Dolphins
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs
  • St George/Illawarra Dragons
  • Sydney Roosters
  • Wests Tigers
  • The King Of Rugby League Awards
  • Rugby League Player Profiles And News
  • Fantasy Rugby League Teams
  • Rugby League World Rankings
  • Rugby League Look-Alikes
  • International Rugby League News
  • National Rugby League
  • European Super League News
  • Featured Guest Writers
  • Other Sports
  • The 2021 NRL Draw
  • The 2022 NRL Draw – Every NRL Game Listed For You!!!
  • The 2023 NRL Draw – Every NRL Game Is Here!!!
  • 2024 NRL Draw
  • NRL Player Profiles
  • NRL Instagram
  • The 2025 NRL Draw – Every Game, Every Venue, Every Club!
  • NRL Tipping Experts
  • Advertise On LeagueFreak.com
  • About LeagueFreak.com
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feed
  • NothingButLeague.com
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours – Latest NRL Rumours
  • NRL Podcast
  • Super League Podcast
  • Rugby League Podcast
  • Here Is The Cure For COVID 19
  • 2022 NRL Grand Final Tickets
  • Click Here To Buy State Of Origin Tickets
  • Buy NRL Tickets – Where To Buy Tickets To Rugby League Games
  • Watch NRL Games Online In 2022 – Where To Watch NRL Games Online And Streaming
Copyright LeagueFreak.com 2022 / All rights reserved
  • Advertise On LeagueFreak.com
  • About LeagueFreak.com
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feed
  • NothingButLeague.com
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours – Latest NRL Rumours
  • NRL Podcast
  • Super League Podcast
  • Rugby League Podcast
  • Here Is The Cure For COVID 19
  • 2022 NRL Grand Final Tickets
  • Click Here To Buy State Of Origin Tickets
  • Buy NRL Tickets – Where To Buy Tickets To Rugby League Games
  • Watch NRL Games Online In 2022 – Where To Watch NRL Games Online And Streaming