Sam Tomkins: Kiwis series vital for the sport

Sam Tomkins believes the upcoming series with the Kiwis could help to put league back on the map in Great Britain.

Living in Australasia, it's easy to take league's important status for granted.

It remains a massive sport in Australia - either the No1 or No2 winter code in the 'Lucky Country' - and also have a strong presence in New Zealand, with good crowds, large television audiences and a solid media profile.

In England it's a bit different. League still remains incredibly strong in Yorkshire and Lancashire but struggles to gain traction outside those Northern heartlands. And rugby has made steady gains over the last few years, with the millions earned from England internationals pumped into the club system.

League hit a high here during the 2013 World Cup - gaining many new fans via the BBC coverage, as the hosts went all the way to the semi-finals - but England hasn't played one of the top nations on home soil since then.

But Tomkins says this series - which will broadcast live to millions via the BBC - could reach a whole new audience.

"It's big," said Tomkins, when asked of the impact of the series. "In England rugby league is not recognized as one of the top sports...with rugby union and most of all football being way ahead. So for us to be successful it gives us that boost that we need, winning a trophy on home soil against the best team in the world."

They'll have to do it without Tomkins, who was ruled out yesterday with lingering knee issues, dating from the 2015 Warriors season. But they have a perfect replacement, in 2105 Super League 'Man of Steel' Zac Hardaker.

Meanwhile, Tomkins is enjoying life back in the UK, after cutting his Warriors stint short by one year.

"It's good to be back and good to see family and friends," said Tomkins. "I've been doing a lot of catching up over the last few weeks. A lot of people I hadn't seen for 12 months or so...great to see them, say hello and be back around them."

Tomkins added that his beloved hometown of Wigan was "still as wonderful as it ever was."

*Autex - Proud sponsor of New Zealand rugby league since 1981