Homesick Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins has confirmed he will return to his former English club Wigan at the end of the season.
Wigan announced the return of the 26-year-old on a four-year deal during halftime of its home match against Warrington Wolves in Europe's Super League on Thursday.
Wigan chairman Ian Lenegan says Tomkins' transfer fee is STG200,000 ($A383,000).
Tomkins launched his career at Wigan, playing for the club from 2008 to 2013, and his brother Joel also plays for them.
Tomkins joined the Auckland-based Warriors for the start of the 2014 NRL season on a three-year deal, for what Wigan said was a world-record fee of a reported STG700,000. ($A1.34 million).
However, his pining for the north of England led him to ask for an early release, and the Warriors were able to sign a replacement in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from the Sydney Roosters.
"It's been a fantastic experience to test myself in the NRL but the reality is I am 13,000 miles away from my friends and family," said Tomkins, who is currently recovering from a knee injury.
"I have really enjoyed my time in New Zealand and can't thank everyone enough here as they have all done so much to make me feel welcome here since my arrival last year."
He says he is focusing on the remainder of the NRL season and helping the Warriors make the play-offs.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane said once they heard Tomkins wanted to come home he knew they had to pull out all stops to sign him back.
"He is one of our own and a truly world-class player," he said.
"Sam knows what we are all about here at Wigan. He understands our culture and our systems and will slot perfectly back into my squad."
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