No place for Sam in England squad
DESPITE Zak Hardaker’s omission following his failed drug test, there is no room for Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins in the England squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
The 24-man party selected by coach Wayne Bennett will be captained by Warriors skipper Sean O’Loughlin, and team-mates John Bateman and George Williams have made the cut – but it is Tomkins’ omission that is the most surprising decision.
Debate has raged throughout the season about who would take the England number one shirt, with Man of Steel runner up Hardaker expected to get the nod, albeit with Tomkins travelling as back-up.
But it now seems the fight for the fullback berth will be between St Helens’ Jonny Lomax and Warrington’s Stefan Ratchford.
Despite a below-par season that culminated in competing the Super 8 Qualifiers, the Wolves have four representatives in the squad.
Chris Hill, Kevin Brown and Ben Currie are also included, Salford forward Tyrone McCarthy is travelling with Ireland, who have also named Wigan hooker Micky McIlorum in their squad.
And Red Devils team-mates Manu Vatuvei and Ben Murdoch-Masila are included in what promises to be a strong Tonga team.
The Pacific nation have both Jason Taumalolo and David Fifita – two of the most highly-rated forwards in the NRL – available to them after they defected from New Zealand and Australia respectively.
Wigan centre Oliver Gildart – named the Super League Young Player of the Year – has been included in the Italy squad.
He qualifies because of a maternal grandmother.