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Brotherly love boosts Wigan

Image: Sam Tomkins: new Wigan deal

Siblings Joel and Sam Tomkins are two of six players who have signed new contracts with reigning champions Wigan.

Samoan Hansen now set to bring up 10 years with the Warriors

Brothers Joel and Sam Tomkins have signed new contracts with Wigan to end any speculation over a possible move away from the DW Stadium. Second-rower Joel Tomkins' current deal was due to run out at the end of the season but he will now remain with the Warriors until the end of 2015. Utility back Sam Tomkins has also agreed a five-year deal with the Cherry and Whites, though he was already signed up until 2014 anyway. The announcement by the Cherry and Whites puts paid to any prospect of either sibling moving to either rugby union or the NRL in the near future.

Boost

"It is excellent news for the club and its fans that we have been able to secure the long-term future of both and Joel," said Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan. "It is a great boost to everyone. The pair played a huge part in what the Wigan club achieved last season and are a major part of our plans for the next five years. "Whilst rumours suggested the inevitability that such players must move to NRL clubs or rugby union, we are delighted at their preference for rugby league, their loyalty to Wigan and their belief that in Super League they can be part of an evolving and winning England team." The Warriors have also handed out extensions to five other players, including a third Tomkins brother in young hooker Logan. The 18-year-old, who played alongside Joel and Sam in Wednesday's trial match against Warrington, has signed a three-year deal. Meanwhile, England winger Darrell Goulding has been rewarded for his efforts in the Warriors' title-winning season with a three-year contract.
Hansen extension
Samoan international Harrison Hansen has got a similar deal, taking the 25-year-old forward through to 10 years with the club. The other two players to put pen-to-paper are loose forward Liam Farrell, a distant cousin of former Wigan captain Andy Farrell, and young centre Josh Charnley, the pair being tied down until the end of the 2015 campaign. Warriors coach Michael Maguire said: "These four players have all emerged in the last couple of seasons, with Darrell, Harrison and Liam playing an important role in our team success last season. "As we all know, Josh went on loan to Hull KR and performed outstandingly well. During pre-season, all of the players have showed the hunger and desire that is required to reach the very top."