Former Hull KR forward Joel Tomkins and current star Michael McIlorum have been backed for success at Catalans Dragons ahead of their imminent coaching announcement, expected to be confirmed by the French outfit on Tuesday.
All Out Rugby League revealed on Monday that ex-England back-rower Tomkins will be promoted from interim coach to the full-time position. He is set to be joined on the coaching staff by rugby league icons Mitchell Pearce and McIlorum, with the latter set to retire at the end of the current campaign at Hull KR and return to France.
The incoming trio have received a major seal of approval from Wigan Warriors legend Harrison Hansen – a two-time Grand Final winner who shared success alongside Tomkins and McIlorum at the Cherry and Whites. He compared their mentality to that of their former mentor and current England boss, Shaun Wane.
“Regardless of how the results have gone this year, I know Joel as a person – he’s cut from the same cloth as Shaun Wane,” Hansen said, having played seven seasons with Tomkins at Wigan. “He’s got the same mentality and everything.
“It’s been a bit hard this year, but Joel knows what he wants, he’ll know the mentality that he wants at Catalans.
“There might be some shock – fans at other clubs might think they’d get someone else in with more experience, but the people that know Joel and are inside the club, everyone rates him. We know what he’s like, and he’s somebody that I’d want to play for too.”
Hansen praised Tomkins’ no-nonsense style, drawing comparisons with McIlorum, also known for his straight-talking leadership. The veteran hooker, 37, has won three Grand Finals across a decorated career and recently helped Hull KR end their trophy drought with a Challenge Cup triumph at Wembley.
“He says it how it is – like Micky McIlorum – exactly the same. They’ll tell you to your face, Joel is as honest as they come. As a head coach, it’s someone you need and as a player, someone you want,” Hansen continued.
“My experience with Michael Maguire and Shaun Wane, they were the best coaches because they were honest with you. They treated everyone the same, but they wanted high standards and demanded it.
“We all had respect for those coaches and you never wanted to let them down. I can see all those qualities in Joel, and now he’s been given the reins, he can put his own stamp on it which will be good and exciting for Catalans.
“It’s the perfect match. They’ve got that respect for players and want the best, and then with Mitchell Pearce, you’ve got a balance that you need, along with Ryan Sheridan. It’s a good combination.”