England full-back Sam Tomkins regrets absence of New Zealand's Shaun Johnson from tour
Tuesday 29 September 2015 20:14, UK
England full-back Sam Tomkins is disappointed he will not get the opportunity to test himself against New Zealand’s Shaun Johnson this autumn.
Half-back Johnson has been ruled out of the three-match series that begins at the KC Stadium in Hull on November 1 after breaking his ankle over the summer.
His absence should offer a welcome boost to Steve McNamara's side but Tomkins insists Johnson's absence will be a loss for supporters.
"Over the recent few years we've had some good contests with 'em," said Tomkins.
"In the World Cup semi-final we were very unlucky. My mate Shaun Johnson managed to sneak through at the end of the game to beat us there [in 2013, 20-18].
"The biggest threat would have been Shaun Johnson but unfortunately he's not going to be able to play with the injury sustained a few months ago.
"I'm bitterly disappointed for Shaun, he could make a competition like this even bigger.
"People would pay to come and see someone like him play, and deservedly so, he's a freak of a talent. But they've [still] got a very strong side."
Tomkins will return to Wigan next season but he has been playing alongside Johnson for the New Zealand Warriors, leaving him well placed to assess his qualities.
"It's a boost for England but I'd want to beat the Kiwis with their strongest side if we're going to beat them," added Tomkins.
"I want the competition to be a success and I want us to beat the Kiwis. I don't think Sean would stop us from beating the Kiwis and he'd be a massive boost for the competition, he's a superstar.
"[Without him], Issac Luke at hooker [is their biggest threat]. He's a hooker that can create anything out of nothing."
