Sam Tomkins needs protection from referees - Shaun Wane

Wigan coach Shaun Wane believes Sam Tomkins is being targeted by opposition players and has asked officials to protect the England full-back.

Setaimata Sa was put on report for a strong tackle on Tomkins during Wigan's win over Catalan Dragons on 9 June.

Wane told BBC Radio Manchester: "I feel Sam is getting some unfair treatment and I don't just mean the Sa incident.

"I just feel like he's not getting the protection from the RFL (Rugby Football League) that he deserves."

Tomkins, who has scored 14 tries in Super League this season, continues to enhance his reputation as one of the stars of the world game and Wane is determined to make sure he is looked after.

"If he's not [protected], it's my job as head coach to look after him and we'll protect him from within," added the Warriors coach.

"If those at the RFL don't see a problem with it, we'll just carry on and deal with it how we need to within the rules of the game.

"Whatever happens to Sam, I'll make sure that our defenders do the same. I'm not having Sam put under the pressure that he's being put under."

Leaders Wigan face Denis Betts' Widnes at the DW Stadium on Monday.

And the Warriors are looking for revenge following their shock 37-36 defeat to Super League's bottom club at the Stobart Stadium in March.