Tomkins picks up RLWA player award

Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins has been named Super League player of the year by the Rugby League Writers' Association.

The 22-year-old England international, who finished the regular season as leading try-scorer on 26, beat Castleford stand-off Rangi Chase into second spot.

Michael Monaghan (Warrington), James Roby (St Helens), Lee Briers (Warrington), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan) and Scott Dureau (Catalan Dragons) also earned votes in a poll of association members.

"I'm honoured," said Tomkins. "It's always nice to pick up awards, although it's not something you think about all year.

"It's a team sport and there's another 16 players in every game doing their bit to make my job a little bit easier. A lot of it is down to the lads."

Tomkins is the second successive Wigan recipient of the award, which went to winger Pat Richards in 2010.