I never gave up on England
TOMKINS EARNS A RECALL
SAM TOMKINS claims he never lost faith after fighting his way back into the England set-up.
The Wigan star was dropped for last year’s World Cup and snubbed again for the Test against New Zealand last month.
But Tomkins, who also missed out because of injury in 2015 and 2016, is now back in the frame.
Lucky
He was named yesterday in Wayne Bennett’s 25-man England Performance Squad ahead of the end of season Test series against the Kiwis.
Tomkins, 29, said: “I was always confident that I could work my way back in to the group.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have played 25 internationals and all that has come from my club form, so my goal has always been to play as well as I can for Wigan.
“I’ve had a couple of years with injuries so it’s nice to be back. It’s tough as there are some great players, so it’s not easy to get in.
“Being in the squad and being in the 17 are also two different things, but come the end of the year hopefully I’ll be up for selection.
“I still have a fair bit of improvement in me but I’m happy with my form, so I’m delighted that it’s been recognised.”
Only last month Tomkins was fined £5,000 by Wigan after a drunken night out with his brother Joel saw his team-mate axed after being filmed verbally abusing bar staff.
Tomkins sidestepped questions about the shameful incident yesterday.
Warrington’s Mike Cooper, whose last England appearance was in 2016, has also been recalled.
Castleford loose forward Adam Milner is the only new call-up.
Hull utility star Jake Connor and St Helens forward Luke Thompson stay in the squad after getting their recent promotion from the Knights.
England boss Bennett said: “We’re welcoming two recalls to the squad and one new addition and the door will remain open.”
England play France on October 17, with the three-match Test series against New Zealand to follow.
The Knights have named a 31-man training squad, including 10 newcomers. LIVERPOOL hosts the second Test against the Kiwis at Anfield in November and will bid to stage a 2021 World Cup game.