Tomkins out of New Zealand series

England coach Steve McNamara has been spared a selection dilemma at full-back after Sam Tomkins was ruled out of the three-match series with New Zealand.

Tomkins, back at Wigan Warriors following a two-year stint with the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has failed to recover from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since late August.

The 26-year-old was set to compete with Leeds Rhinos' Zak Hardaker - the Super League Man of Steel - for England's number one jersey, but will now return to Wigan for further assessment.

McNamara said: "It is a great shame that Sam will miss the series against New Zealand. We wanted to give him every chance to confirm his fitness but it wasn't to be.

"Sam is devastated to miss out. He was looking forward to the month ahead with England and making a huge impact.

"His recent rehabilitation programme was designed to give him the best chance of a full recovery and playing for England, but the important thing now is for him to have the injury re-assessed and to get himself ready for full fitness as soon as possible."

England have opted against calling up a replacement for Tomkins.

The first meeting with New Zealand takes place at Hull's KC Stadium on Sunday, with further contests to follow at the Olympic Stadium in London and Wigan's DW Stadium.