Tomkins can fire England to Rugby League World Cup final
Published:England will need Sam Tomkins firing on all cylinders if they are to overcome New Zealand to reach their first Rugby League World Cup final since 1995.
The 24-year-old comes up against many of his future team-mates after New Zealand Warriors splashed out a world record fee to take him to the NRL.
In particular, Tomkins’ battle with Kiwi full-back Kevin Locke, a man he will compete with for the number one jersey in Auckland, will be intriguing and England will be hoping their man can come out on top.
Despite not scoring a try in the tournament so far, the former Wigan man remains England’s main attacking threat and with a point to prove, he could be a thorn in Stephen Kearney’s side.
Tomkins has travelled 100 metres in every game apart from the tournament opener against the Australians, making 19 tackle breaks and setting up seven tries for team-mates in the process.
But the full-back can turn scorer against New Zealand and at odds of 12/1 with Ladbrokes it is well worth backing Tomkins to open the scoring.
The Warriors star is 11/8 to cross the try line at anytime for his first score of the World Cup, while you can get 9/2 on him being England’s first scorer.
Elsewhere, New Zealand powerhouse Sonny Bill Williams is the biggest threat to England’s chances of reaching the final.
The Sydney Roosters forward is regarded as the best player in the world in either code and his performances this campaign have backed up that claim.
The 28-year-old’s powerful running, sharp footwork and lethal hand off make him an interesting bet at 14/1 to score the first try.
The former All Black is 7/4 to cross the white wash at any time against the World Cup hosts.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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