For today’s Challenge Cup Final, Sam Tomkins will be one of the main guests alongside Emily Rudge and Tom Haliwell as the three captains of England sides looking to achieve World Cup glory this autumn.
Tomkins was given the captaincy by former Wigan boss Shaun Wane who he won the Challenge Cup alongside in 2013 as the Warriors did the double.
Nearly 10 years on from that, Tomkins is as hungry for success as ever and explained that although he was honoured to be a guest he’d rather be playing: “Yeah huge honour. It’s such a great event, I’d much rather be playing in it but second to that is to be a guest so really happy to be invited.”
The fullback also explained the role the Challenge Cup Final can play in helping pick the England squad.
He suggested that for those whose selection is up in the air, a performance on the grandest stage can prove that they should be included for the biggest tournament in rugby league: “It’s massive opportunity for anyone who is border line for getting picked. So, it’s a massive test for a lot of people.”
On the back of this he stated that he believes this England side can end a 50-year wait to win the World Cup this autumn: “We can win the World Cup. We’ve got a really good side we’ve got to make sure we click. We’re going to play against some really tough teams but I’m supremely confident we can go and do it.”
He also revealed that this will likely be his last World Cup meaning England will need a new skipper by the time France 2025 roles around.
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