Pat Richards targets March comeback for Wigan Warriors

Pat Richards was last season's top Super League try and goal scorer

Wigan winger Pat Richards is targeting a March comeback as he recovers from surgery on his injured Achilles tendon.

The 2010 Super League Man of Steel was initially ruled out for six months after rupturing his Achilles in last month's Grand Final win over St Helens.

The 28-year-old Aussie already accepted that he will miss the start of next season in Cardiff on 12 February but he now hopes not to miss too much.

"I should be near enough to the start. I'm not going to rush it," he said.

Richards was on crutches when he picked up the international winger of the year award at the Rugby League International Federation Awards on Tuesday night. And he will remain on crutches for another two weeks.

"I'll start walking then and maybe run about four weeks after that," he said.

I got a call yesterday from the NRL to invite me to come over and I'm glad I made the effort

Wigan winger Pat Richards

Richards, who was also named Ireland player of the year, was shocked to win such a prestigious international award.

"I got a call from the NRL inviting me to come over," he said. "And I'm glad I made the effort.

"I was visiting the family for a couple of weeks and I leave next Thursday to go back to England so it was a bit of a freak encounter."

Richards' Wigan team-mate Sam Tomkins, 21, was also honoured, picking up the international rookie of the year award.

And, along with his big brother Joel, Wigan have revealed that there will be a third Tomkins brother in their first team squad next season.

It is exciting to bring these six young guys together into the first team squad for 2011

Wigan coach Michael Maguire

Logan Tomkins is one of six players from this year's Championship Valvoline Cup winning side who have been invited to step up a level.

Hooker Tomkins, back row forward Jack Hughes, prop Dom Crosby, half-back Sam Powell and backs Ryan King and Matty Russell have all signed two-year deals, with a further club option for 2013.

"We were really impressed with the form of these guys last season," said coach Michael Maguire. "It is exciting to bring the six of them together into the first team squad for 2011.

"The guys have been chosen for their rugby ability together with their enthusiastic, determined and positive attitudes and commitment. I look forward to working with them all."