Rugby League stars Joel and Sam Tomkins are being linked with a high-profile switch to Union.
Joel is reported to be in talks with reigning English Champions Saracens while fellow Wigan hero Sam, despite committing his immediate future to the 13-man version of the sport, has refused to rule out a future move.
Second row cum centre Joel asked not to be picked for England’s Four Nations Series against Australia, New Zealand and Wales this month as he ponders an apparent offer from Sarries who have Wigan legend Andy Farrell on their coaching staff.
Joel is thought to have been promised a lucrative deal worth close to £400,000 a year to follow the likes of England internationals Chris Ashton, a former school mate and close friend, and Shontayne Hape to Union.
If the 24-year-old does make the move south this season, he would have plenty of time to adapt to his new code before the 2013 Lions tour of Australia. Fellow League convert Jason Robinson only made a similar switch the year before the Lions last took on the Wallabies in 2001 yet he went on to star in the three-match series Down Under.
Neither Saracens, Wigan nor Joel have commented on a potential transfer, however, while Sam remains cagey about his brother’s intentions.
"I think he just doesn't want to come in and cause any disruption," said Sam of Joel’s the decision not to feature in the Four Nations.
"He's got some things going on but I don't know where he's up to with them."
As for his own thoughts on a cross-code switch, Sam insists he is committed to Wigan but admits that may change in the future.
"In the future it could be something. You never say never," added the 22-year-old.
"But for the time being my head is on playing for Wigan and England. Whatever comes down the path, it's something I'd think about if I got the opportunity later on in life. For the time being, I'm focused on playing for Wigan."
