Tomkins has former team-mate in his sights
Sam Tomkins says the half-back duel with Shaun Johnson, his former New Zealand Warriors teammate, could help determine the outcome of England’s first Test against the Kiwis today.
Wayne Bennett, the head coach, sprung two surprises with his final team selection, recalling Tomkins after a four-year absence and dropping Mark Percival for the opening game at Hull’s KCOM Stadium.
As expected, Wigan centre Oliver Gildart will make his Test debut, but Bennett caused a stir by picking the versatile Jake Connor ahead of Percival. St Helens centre Percival was largely ignored during the 2017 World Cup but played centre in the win over New Zealand in Denver in June and was named in the Super League Dream Team.
Jonny Lomax got the nod at fullback over both Stefan Ratchford and Tomkins, who will form an allwigan half-back pairing with George Williams.
Tomkins will win his 24th cap after regaining his form for his club this year, largely at full-back. “I’ve been watching as a fan but there is nothing like pulling a jersey on,” said the Catalans-bound Tomkins. “I’ve been lucky enough to do it 20-odd times before and that just makes you want to do it again.”
Tomkins will go up against Johnson, a team-mate from his two-year stint with the Warriors.
Johnson, who knocked England out of the World Cup in 2013 with a last-minute try and conversion in the Wembley semi-final, missed New Zealand’s defeat by Bennett’s side in Colorado but had a key role in their recent win over Australia.
“Johnson can be the heartbeat of a team,” Tomkins said. “They will look to him as one of the more experienced players and certainly the most dominant half-back. A lot of play will go through Shaun and, given time, he’s one of the best.”
Meanwhile, although his preferred position is stand-off, Connor is confident he can justify his selection in the three-quarters.
“It’s not new to me,” he said. “I’ll try to do the same job that I’ve always done, try and get my hands on the ball and give 100 per cent.”
Gildart, who was a late call-up in place of the injured Sam Burgess, is also seeking to justify his selection.
“I feel privileged to get my chance. Now I want to keep my place for the next five to 10 years.”
England v New Zealand, KCOM Stadium 2.30pm. Live on BBC1