Tomkins vs Roby: the last dance

Sam Tomkins and James Roby are modern-day greats of the Super League era. The pair have won it all - Grand Finals, Challenge Cups and Man of Steel Awards to name a few, during their respective careers.

This week, they face off in the Betfred Super League Play-Off Semi-Finals when Tomkins' Catalans Dragons take on Roby's St Helens. The winner gets one last shot at Grand Final glory, whilst the loser will call time on their illustrious career.

Two legends, one goal ? But only one can bow out at Old Trafford ?

It's @SamTomkins1 (@DragonsOfficiel) against James Roby (@Saints1890) for the final time with a place in the #GrandFinal on the line, live on @SkySportsRL Friday ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/o0RXq2tLKD
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 4, 2023

Tomkins and Roby are widely respected across the game. Roby's current head coach, Paul Wellens, was full of admiration for the pair ahead of Friday's blockbuster clash in the South of France.

 "I think James and Sam are the last of their era," Wellens admitted.

"I personally don't see how we will see someone hit the same number of appearances that James has hit. That's of course due to things such as the game moving forward and less fixtures being played, but its also because of how much of a great achievement that is.

"I first saw Sam when I was playing in 2008/09 and it was when he first burst onto the scene at Wigan, and I couldn't quite believe how talented he was. I was quite taken back and then I knew straight away that he was going to be a special player.

"He's been arguably one of the Super League's best players and although were on separate sides against each other, it's not lost on any of us at Saints how incredible he's been as a player."

The career stats behind two of the greatest we've ever seen ?

It's @samtomkins1 v James Roby, @DragonsOfficiel v @Saints1890, for a place in the #GrandFinal ?

Live on @SkySportsRL, 8pm KO ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/zXGSwb3mGA
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 6, 2023

Catalans head coach, Steve McNamara, is no stranger to the pair either. McNamara has been Tomkins' coach since the full-back arrived in France in 2019 and coached James Roby at international level during his five-year stint as England head coach.

"I've coached him [James Roby] first hand and he's proven how good he is to me during my time at England. His longevity is probably what separates him from the rest. Yeah, there's been good players, but Roby has been there since the start of his career until the end at the top of his game for a long time. To do that is great and I cant speak highly enough of him.

"When I coached him with England, I just instantly knew how good he was, and he was influential for the team in my time. It's rare that you get a player that's spoken about so highly by a lot of people, but that just shows how good James has been as a player and as a person."

Roby and Tomkins' reputations transcend your average player. Their influence and impact on their current and former teammates are huge, as Wigan Warriors' Liam Marshall will attest to.

Two greats collide for one final shot at #GrandFinal glory ?@DragonsOfficiel ? @Saints1890, 2023 @Betfred #SuperLeague Play-Off semi-final ?

Friday, live on @SkySportsRL Arena ? pic.twitter.com/8LTaFtoqgA
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 3, 2023

"I was lucky enough to play with Sam [Tomkins] for a short period of time at Wigan and leading up to that I'd met him a few times when I was younger, and I've always looked up to him," Marshall admitted.

"I remember we used to go and watch the games with my mates, and we were amazed with what he was doing on the pitch. It was unheard of what he was doing at the time, and it was really special.

"He's been amazing at Catalans and to go over there and have the impact that he's had, shows how much he contributes to the team. I think he's really bought into the French culture and will now go down as one of the best talents that English Rugby League have produced."

The Dragons host the Saints in the Play-Off Semi-Finals for a place at Old Trafford. Watch all the action unfold on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Showcase this Friday at 8pm.