Briscoe rewarded but Tomkins misses the cut
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Hull winger, Tom Briscoe, has been drafted straight into the England side for the opening game of the Four Nations against France tomorrow, but there is no place for the Wigan sensation, Sam Tomkins.
Briscoe, 19, was only brought into the squad this week as a replacement for the injured Sean O'Loughlin, having underlined his potential with two tries against Wales in Saturday's warm-up game.
He is preferred to Wakefield's Peter Fox, who was on the right wing against France in June – a selection decision which emphasises the faith the England coach, Tony Smith, has in him.
The same does not yet quite apply to Tomkins, Super League's Young Player of the Year and a revelation for Wigan in the second half of the season. He scored a hat-trick at Bridgend, but that has not been enough to earn him a place in the side at Doncaster tomorrow.
Instead, the half-backs are another 19-year-old, Richard Myler, and the relatively experienced Danny McGuire. Myler looked ring-rusty against Wales, but scored 30 points in the victory over France in June.
There is not even room for Tomkins on the bench, where Kyle Eastmond's ability to play centre as well as half-back has earned him his first cap. "It's an exciting squad and a squad we think will do the job for us," Smith said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments