England fullback Sam Tomkins has been ruled out of the three test series against the Kiwis as he continues to battle a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since August.
The 26-year-old missed England's warm-up game against France last weekend but was expected to be fit for the opening clash against the Kiwis in Hull on Sunday (Monday morning NZT) before being officially ruled out of the entire series today.
He will now seek further medical advice ahead of making a return to the Super League with Wigan in 2016, after playing for the Warriors in the NRL over the past two seasons.
"It is a great shame but it wasn't to be" coach Steve McNamara told the BBC.
"Sam is devastated to miss out."
