Warriors and incumbent England No1 Sam Tomkins believes players should keep quiet about their selection hopes, after Leeds Rhinos fullback Zak Hardaker said he should be picked to face the Kiwis in the end-of-year three-test series.
Tomkins got wind of comments made by Hardaker in the English press last week,with the bullish Super League star saying he should be chosen at the back for England if coach Steve McNamara's team is chosen on form.
"Hopefully Steve picks on form but you never know so I will just keep playing as well as I can," Hardaker told the Daily Star.
"If I have had a better year than Sam then Steve should pick me. The best players should play for England so it's up to Steve."
Tomkins chose his words carefully in response but suggested his 23-year-old rival keep his opinions on team selections to himself. "I'm just trying to play well every week," Tomkins said. "It's not a subject that I want to delve into too much. I don't agree with players talking about selection. It's nothing to do with them.
"Zak's a good player and he's been playing well but me or Zak don't pick the team.
"I'll never speak bad of Zak or say whether I should be picked or not. That's completely out of our hands, and for Zak, he should probably do the same."
Tomkins has performed strongly for the Warriors without setting the world on fire in an injury-affected season.
