Sam Tomkins lays into Penrith after St Helens humble them in first half

England captain and Channel 4 pundit Sam Tomkins questioned whether NRL Premiers Penrith Panthers can stick with St Helens in the World Club Challenge.

Saints dominated the first half at BlueBet Stadium to go in 10-0 up thanks to tries from Jack Welsby and Konrad Hurrell to stun the home crowd in Penrith.

It’s a scoreline that will have schocked many more down under with Penrith predicted to roll over Saints by many in Australia, including Channel Nine pundit Phil Gould who said last week the Panthers ‘would be able to declare at half-time’.

Tomkins has hit back now though with the Super League side in control, and in his half-time analysis he questioned whether Penrith have what it takes to stick with St Helens.

He said: “I don’t think Penrith knew Saints could do this. The questions before this game were around whether Saints could stick with Penrith, match them physically and beat them on an edge.

“Well forget all that. I’m asking whether Penrith can stick with St Helens? Because in that first 40 minutes they have been levels above.

“The intensity in which St Helens defend is different to any other team in Super League. I have been on the receiving end of it many times, they are ruthless.

“Their line speed is ferocious and their intensity is different from any other team. They won’t stop in the second half. They are built for this and this is the perfect game for St Helens.”