Tomkins '˜nailed on' for England No.1 shirt

Sam Tomkins should be 'nailed on' for the England No.1 shirt for next month's Test against New Zealand in Denver, USA.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th May 2018, 11:55 BST

Updated 24th May 2018, 12:21 BST

That is the view of Toronto and ex-Leigh coach Paul Rowley, who believes the Wigan full-back is a more accomplished and safer player than in his first stint at the club.

Rowley told the BBC: “He’s nailed on full-back. With Sam Tomkins of old, you felt there may be a mistake around him of some sort. The Sam at the minute inspires those around him, his leadership has been fantastic and this is the most accomplished Sam Tomkins I’ve ever seen.”

Bradford and former England coach John Kear agreed.

“Stefan Ratchford would be unlucky to be left out but I think Tomkins has grown another leg, he’s taken an air of responsibility in the group and playing with a lot of composure,” said Kear.

England face New Zealand on June 23.

It will be former Wigan coach Michael Maguire’s first game in charge of the Kiwis.