New Zealand are primed for Sam Tomkins challenge
THOMAS LEULUAI feared Sam Tomkins was in a lose-lose battle when he joined the NRL – but now simply fears the havoc he could wreak.
The two close mates will go head-to-head in England's Four Nations clash with New Zealand in Dunedin next Saturday.
Leuluai was delighted when his club, New Zealand Warriors, bought his former Wigan team-mate.
But he said the £700,000 transfer fee put his pal under pressure - especially when the Warriors made a poor start.
Leuluai said: "He either had to score five tries a game or he was going to get bagged and Sammy understood that."
"We lost our first four games and Sammy copped a bit of the blame. But he worked really hard and was definitely one of our most consistent performers of the season."
Tomkins was in a class of his own in Super League with his ability to craft try-scoring chances.
"He has definitely got that mental strength and that is what helped him most this year," said Leuluai.
"But I will be making sure the boys are all ready to go against Sam and England next week."
Shaun Kenny-Dowall's try five minutes from time sealed a 14-12 New Zealand win over Samoa in the Four Nations yesterday.
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