League: Tomkins ready to play in halves against Kiwis

Sam Tomkins is ready to play in the halves when he takes on the Kiwis. Photo / Dean Purcell

Sam Tomkins insists he's ready to play at halfback for England if he is selected there against France later this month and while New Zealand are on tour.

Tomkins more regularly plays at fullback but the exceptional form of Zak Hardaker has inspired speculation that he could be moved to halfback to accommodate him, and Tomkins, who in that event could partner Gareth Widdop, says he would have no problems if that proved the case.

If Tomkins was to play in the halves against the Kiwis, he could go up head-to-head against New Zealand Warriors teammate this season, Tuimoala Lolohea.

"Everyone's got an opinion, but no one who picks the team has said where I'll be playing," he said.

"I'm happy to play anywhere for England, it's always a massive honour to pull on that jersey. Whatever the selectors choose, that's fine by me.

"I'm happy at fullback because I've played there for the past few years but I've played quite a lot of rugby at halfback, I've played internationally at halfback, so it's something I feel I can handle so it doesn't bother me too much.

"(Widdop's) a brilliant player, he's been a stand-out for the St George (Illawarra Dragons) this year.

"Since he left Melbourne - he had a lot of critics saying he only played well there 'cause he had people around him like (Billy) Slater and (Cooper) Cronk and (Cameron) Smith - but he's shown everybody that he's a good player on his own and doesn't need those guys.

"He's steered St George to a lot of their wins this year. I'd love to see him in the team.

"(Hardaker's also) played brilliantly, he's a very talented player, Zak, and I think this year, more than ever, he's been able to show that. He's been playing at fullback and playing really well so I think the England coach, Steve McNamara, has got some decisions to make and some tough ones but they're probably headaches he'd like to have."

Should events transpire that way, Matty Smith may be sacrificed, but even if that would seem harsh Tomkins does not expect him to complain.

"There's nothing to say he won't play, we're just speculating here," he said.

"I'm sure he'd say the same, whatever's best for the England team is best for the England team.

"It's going be a strong side no matter who's picked where."

-AAP