Wigan Warriors v Hull FC: Super League preview
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 13/05/16 7:43pm
Sam Tomkins says Hull FC would be "daft" not to target him when he makes his Wigan return on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.
Wigan boss Shaun Wane has hinted that Tomkins will start on the bench, but the England international expects to be put under pressure immediately by Hull's pin-point kicker Marc Sneyd.
Sneyd produced a man-of-the-match performance in Hull's Challenge Cup win over Saints last Sunday, and Tomkins expects the stand-off and his team-mates to provide an aerial bombardment as he makes his return from a nine-month injury lay-off.
"They'd be daft not to, wouldn't they?" Tomkins said. "I know what I'd be doing if I was playing against a bloke who's not played for six months. But I've dealt with stuff like that before.
"I know I've had a significant injury and getting back to playing is not about your best form immediately coming out. But I'll certainly add something to the team on Friday, I'm not going to be a weak link, that's for sure."
Sam Tomkins
"Hull are on fire at the minute. They schooled St Helens at the weekend and the signings they've made this year have given them a huge boost.
"They're strong and with Marc Sneyd's kicking game they're going to be a big threat."
Tomkins, who made his Wigan debut exactly eight years ago in a Challenge Cup-tie against Whitehaven in which he scored five tries, makes his re-appearance alongside older brother Joel, who has also recovered from a knee injury.
It will be the first time they have played together since October 2011, and while the 27-year-old admits it will take him time to find his form, he intends to make a mark against Hull in the top-four clash at the DW Stadium.
"I'm realistic," Tomkins said. "I'm not going to be coming out Friday and performing to my very best.
"I know I've had a significant injury and getting back to playing is not about your best form immediately coming out.
"But I'll certainly add something to the team on Friday, I'm not going to be a weak link, that's for sure.
"I've got my own standards and I know what I need to do for the team. My job this week is going to be simple; I don't know how long I'll play but when I do, I need to make sure I give the team something we've not had this year."
"The boys have gone well but I don't think we've played brilliantly either. We've won some games ugly and we don't want to be doing that all year."
Hull have Sika Manu back from international duty but his second-row partner Frank Pritchard will be missing after being handed a one-match ban for a high tackle in Samoa's Test victory over Tonga in Sydney.
Wane admits Hull coach Lee Radford's decision to release the pair was a brave one but does not believe his absence will significantly weaken a Hull pack containing former England captain Gareth Ellis, Australian Mark Minichiello and ex-Wigan prop Scott Taylor.
"Their back-rowers were strong anyway and Pritchard didn't play the last time against us," Wane said.
Wigan Warriors: John Bateman, Josh Charnley, Tony Clubb, Dom Crosby, Oliver Gildart, Anthony Gelling, Willie Isa, Dom Manfredi, Lee Mossop, Sean O'Loughlin, Sam Powell, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Lewis Tierney, Joel Tomkins, Sam Tomkins, George Williams.
Hull FC: Josh Bowden, Gareth Ellis, Mahe Fonua, Chris Green, Dean Hadley, Danny Houghton, Sika Manu, Steve Michaels, Mark Minichiello, Curtis Naughton, Leon Pryce, Jamie Shaul, Marc Sneyd, Fetuli Talanoa, Scott Taylor, Jordan Thompson, Danny Washbrook, Liam Watts, Kirk Yeaman.