A – The Warriors have snared one of the biggest rugby league talents on the planet, outlaying a monster transfer fee to bring the services of star England fullback Sam Tomkins to the NRL.

English club Wigan confirmed one of rugby league’s worst-kept secrets at a press conference at the DW Stadium on Monday afternoon when they revealed the reigning Man of Steel has signed a three-year deal with the Warriors.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said the Super League club have secured a world record transfer fee, eclipsing the STG450,000 ($A773,000) Wigan paid Bradford for Stuart Fielden in 2007, for Tomkins.

“While we are reluctant to let Sam go, he goes with our blessing,” Lenagan told the press conference.

Tomkins is considered one of the premier attacking players in the game, boasting a remarkable 144 tries in 150 appearances for Wigan.

Tomkins said the time was right to make a move to the NRL, joining the likes of South Sydney’s Sam Burgess and Canterbury prop James Graham as current England internationals to have made the switch.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make but it is now perfect timing for me to make the switch to the NRL,” Tomkins said.

“It is something in my career I have always wanted to do.

“…Going to Auckland is a huge step for me and my rugby league career but one I am really looking forward to.”