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Four Nations: Sam Tomkins believes England can win the end-of-season tournament

Image: Sam Tomkins: Believes England can win the Four Nations

New Zealand Warriors full-back Sam Tomkins is backing England to succeed in the Four Nations which kicks off later this month.

Steve McNamara’s squad have flown Down Under to go head-to-head with New Zealand, Samoa and world champions Australia in a four-team series.

England narrowly missed out on a place in last year’s World Cup final on home soil and the 25-year-old is hoping to go one better in the end-of-season tournament.

England's Four Nations schedule:

Saturday 25th October
England v Samoa

Sunday 2nd November
Australia v England

Saturday's 8th November
New Zealand v England

England gave Australia a scare in their opening fixture in Cardiff before bowing out to the Kiwis in the semi-finals following Shaun Johnson's last-gasp try at Wembley.

“I think we’ll do well. There’s no reason why we can’t go and win it. We’ve got a very exciting squad together,” he told Sky Sports.

“I think we can go out there with a lot of confidence, confidence taken from the World Cup last year, the way we competed with the Aussies for 60 minutes as we have done before, but we weren’t good enough.

“Then the semi-final (v New Zealand) we lost. We were probably the better side in that so that was disappointing.”

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There has been speculation that Tomkins could play in the halves, possibly alongside Gareth Widdop, however, he insists he has not been told of such a move by any of England’s coaches.

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Role switch?

Tomkins played in the halves early in his Wigan career before switching to full-back, a role in which he has subsequently excelled.

“I’ve not heard those whispers. I’ll play anywhere. If I’m in an England jersey I’m not bothered,” he continued.

“I’ve not heard that. I’ve only heard the press say it. I’ve not heard any coaches say it.”

While Tomkins has been playing for the Vodafone Warriors in the NRL, brother Joel has returned to Wigan to join Logan, however, he insists having both of his siblings at the DW Stadium will not facilitate a swift return.

I think we’ll do well. There’s no reason why we can’t go and win it. We’ve got a very exciting squad together.
Sam Tomkins

Tomkins has two years remaining on his Warriors contract and has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of testing himself in the NRL against the game’s best.

“It’s good to see Joel in a Wigan jersey and I’m hoping to see him in an England one as well it’ll be special,” he concluded. “My brothers being there isn’t making me want to come back any sooner.

“If I ever did go back to Wigan it would be through just wanting to play for a club that I really like. I’m very happy at the Warriors. I can’t see myself coming back for a few years yet.

“It (the NRL) has been good. It’s been different. It’s a tough challenge. It was one I expected and one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed as well.”

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