BY ROSS HEPPENSTALL
SAM TOMKINS has played down his rivalry with Jake Connor as the full-backs prepare to cross swords in England’s mid-season international against the Combined Nations All Stars.
Tomkins has been selected as England captain by Shaun Wane and will lead the national side in their first outing for nearly three years.
Hull FC star Connor and long-serving England winger Jermaine McGillvary will line up for Tim Sheens’ All Stars, adding an intriguing sub-plot to the game, but Tomkins believes all parties will benefit.
The Catalans Dragons star is Wane’s first-choice full-back and seems certain to retain that status heading into the World Cup, with Zak Hardaker also behind him in the pecking order.
Tomkins said of Connor: “Jake’s a really talented player and he certainly can’t be far off this England group at the moment.
“What we want from this game is preparation for the World Cup and Jake being able to play for the All Stars adds to that.
“I feel like he will have a point to prove this week, but that certainly won’t be a focus of mine.
“I’ll be focusing on playing well and helping England to get a win – and the All Stars will going out to win too.
“As rugby players, we play because we’re competitive in nature and want to win.
“There is a lot of talent in that All Stars group so we’re expecting a tough game and a close game.”
Tomkins says he was lost for words after Wane rang to offer him the England captaincy for tomorrow’s clash.
The ex-Wigan man was widely expected to take the role following the retirement of previous captain Sean O’Loughlin.
He said of his reaction to the news: “It was just excitement really. It’s not something that you really think about or anticipate even, so when Shaun gave me the phonecall I was taken aback a bit.
“With Lockers having retired, Shaun asked me if I’d like to do it and waited for my response.
“I didn’t really know what to say for a couple of seconds, so I just said ‘thanks’ and explained how much it meant to me. It’s a massive honour for me.
“I’ve always been involved in leadership groups. When Michael Maguire first arrived at Wigan, he put me in a leadership group of about five players.
“I was only 20 at the time and Michael explained that I was a natural leader and would grow into that role over time.
“My time at Wigan, and being successful with players like Sean O’Loughlin and Tommy Leuluai, taught me a lot.
“It’s been the same with players like Adrian Morley, James Graham, Jamie Peacock and Kevin Sinfield with England.
“They’re all accomplished leaders in rugby league and I’ve learnt a lot from them.”
Tomkins denied suggestions that he is a certainty to lead England at the World Cup on home soil later this year.
“We’ve not spoken about anything other than this week,” said the 32-year-old.
“Obviously this is preparation for the World Cup, but the actual start of the World Cup is a few months away.
“Nothing has been discussed in terms of that yet.”
Tomkins was forced to make a 1,000-mile solo car journey from Perpignan to England in order to avoid going into quarantine and ensuring his availability for the fixture.
Tomkins explained: “It was fine. I got my clearance on Friday lunchtime and Steve McNamara said ‘you’re good to go’.
“I just jumped in the car and set off – it was as easy as that really.
“It’s a long drive but I don’t mind a drive. I’ve got three kids under five at home, so 15 hours of silence was well received.
“I got to Northampton without stopping and then pulled into a services for a couple of hours.
“I then got to the hotel, the Worsley Marriott which is a great hotel, and was just looking forward to my bed after that.
“It’s not that bad a drive, I’ve done it before, and the opportunity to pull on England jersey is a no-brainer really.
“When the offer got put to me ‘if you want to go, you have to drive’ but I wasn’t hesitant at all.”
Tomkins stressed the importance of tomorrow’s mid-season international to England’s preparations for the World Cup.
“I think it’s massively important,” he said.
“As a national team, to be successful we need the best preparation available to us and that’s what this match is.
“I can understand the clubs being frustrated, and maybe the fans, that there are Super League games on this week.
“But at the end of the day, one round of fixtures being compromised for the best possible preparation for a World Cup, I think it’s worth it.
“For us as players, it’s always an honour to pull on an England jersey, whether that be at a World Cup or in a game like this week.”
