WRECKIN ROBINS

Joel bids to scupper old mates

- by DAVE CRAVEN

FORMER dual-code England star Joel Tomkins hopes to wreck old club Hull KR’s Wembley dream - and return to the scene of one of his finest moments.

The Catalans assistant coach takes his side up against rampant Super League leaders the Robins in today’s mouthwatering Challenge Cup semi-final.

But barely 18 months ago, the former Wigan second-row was just finishing his fire service apprenticeship when a random call from Matt Peet saw him return to Warriors as part of the champions’ youth coaching set-up.

And, ahead of this season, Tomkins’ ex-England coach Steve McNamara offered him a chance to take charge of Catalans’ defence.

He admitted: “It's been a whirlwind and things snowballed but I instantly loved coaching and I do think it's where I see my future long-term.