Sam Tomkins labels selection criticism “not fair” yet England make suggested changes for second Test

Sam Tomkins has argued that criticism of the team selection for the first rugby league Ashes Test is “not fair”, however, the England team manager has admitted that there have been plenty of “really harsh conversations” since Saturday’s loss.

In the first rugby league Ashes Test for over 20 years, England failed to deliver as they were beaten 26-6 with relative ease by Australia with the world champions not truly needing to get out of second gear.

Tomkins, speaking to Sky Sports, has now suggested that some of England’s issues came down to a slow start which has led to several harsh conversations.

The former England captain explained: “I think we didn’t get off to the greatest of starts and against a very good Australian side, they sort of dictated a lot to us.

“Yeah, some really harsh conversations. Some players just simply didn’t perform well enough on what is the biggest of stages so the coaching staff got together and Shaun Wane has had to have some difficult conversations this week.”

First Test lessons explained by Sam Tomkins

Speaking at his presser on Tuesday, Wane confirmed that there would be changes as he suggested between two and four, whilst Tomkins explained to Sky that fans could expect three of four changes.

Three changes have been confirmed with Jack Welsby, Ethan Havard and John Bateman all dropping out of the 19-man squad and being replaced by Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies and Kallum Watkins. It has been confirmed that Bateman isn’t 100% with his omission forced, as opposed to tactical.

The latter two changes are somewhat like for like replacements, whereas Welsby’s omission indicates an AJ Brimson start at full-back with Mikey Lewis possibly replaced by Harry Smith.

Tomkins had been asked if the criticism surrounding both Brimson and Smithies missing out was “fair”,something he disagreed with: “No, I don’t think it’s fair.

“Brimson and Smithies are very good players but the guys that were in front of them in Morgan Knowles and Jack Welsby are both very good players.

“I think it would be harsh to criticise but those guys might get a shot now.”

As for where England can improve, he explained the kicking game is one aspect which is another hint to Harry Smith featuring on Saturday, with the Everton fan possibly in line to run out at his club’s new ground.

Explaining the Wembley woes, Tomkins said: “I think our last plays and the way that we kicked the ball needs to improve and probably the physicality. I think we can be more physical than we were on Saturday.

“I think we went into it slightly nervous and didn’t really stamp our authority on the game so I’d expect a real big start from us on Saturday.”

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