SAM Tomkins' dream of ending his glittering career with one last Grand Final win was shattered by his former club as Wigan summoned a stirring second-half display to sink Catalans Dragons 10-2 at Old Trafford last night.
Liam Marshall grabbed the only try of the game to secure hardfought but ultimately comfortable win for Matt Peet's men, sealing their sixth domestic showpiece and their first since 2018.
Tomkins, who was embraced by his friend and former team-mate, Wigan captain Liam Farrell at the final whistle, will head into retirement reflecting on a pair of yellow cards that effectively cost his side any chance of victory.
Adam Keighran was sin-binned midway through the first period and Tom Davies followed suit for an intentional block on Marshall in the second half as Catalans came up short for the second time in three years.
It was a tough night all round for Tomkins, who had been served an early reminder that he would be done no favours on his final appearance when he was taken out by Farrell in the process of punting a high ball forward in the third minute.
Bu hikaye MEN on Sunday dergisinin October 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye MEN on Sunday dergisinin October 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Howhasit come to this for Pep's 500th game?
PEP Guardiola should be in the ultimate honeymoon period.
No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January
CITY and James McAtee both made clear that they wanted to make things work this season. Despite City's title defence crumbling around him, however, McAtee has had a front row seat to the season rather than an active role.
Maguire risks ban in Magpies fixture
UNITED know they will be without several key players when they return to Premier League action to face Newcastle.
'I want to make history at United'
AMAD Diallo 'wants to make history' with United as he aims to help Ruben Amorim turn around the club's fortunes.
Sutton tips 'rubbish' Reds to lose
NEWCASTLE United will make it four wins in a row when they take on United because Ruben Amorim's side are 'rubbish'.
United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves
HOW will the nerves be tomorrow night then? In the wake of Manchester United's pre-Christmas defeat to Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim identified nervousness and anxiety as a problem to be overcome, for his team and the supporters.
Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'
UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to buy a football club after he retires from professional football.
Council tax needs overdue overhaul
WHILE festive shoppers have been deciding what to buy in the last few weeks, under-pressure local politicians across Northern England are weighing up which public services they can still afford to run.
Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025
THERE will be no elections held in Greater Manchester in 2025.
Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary
THE family of a man left disabled after suffering a stroke say they've been left 'blown away' by people's kindness after deciding to build a specially adapted house for him to live in.
