Sam Tomkins has admitted he doubted whether new England captain George Williams had what it takes as a leader, after labelling him the perfect choice to take over the role.
Warrington playmaker Williams succeeds the Catalans full-back as captain of England ahead of this month’s international against France.
Tomkins has already confirmed that this season will be his last before retirement, and believes that his former Wigan team-mate is exactly the man the nation needs to pick the team up after their disappointing World Cup exit at the semi-final stage.
“I’ve known George for a long time so I know as well as anyone what he’s about,” Tomkins told Love Rugby League.
“He is top class and won’t let anyone down.”
Sam Tomkins: George Williams the perfect man for the job
Like Tomkins, the 27-year old Williams is one of head coach Shaun Wane’s most trusted foot soldiers, having built a strong bond at Wigan.
Some eyebrows were raised when Wane selected Williams as a World Cup starter following a dismal season with relegation-threatened Warrington, but his faith was repaid with a string of excellent performances as the Wolves half-back emerged as arguably England’s best player.
And even Tomkins admits he doubted whether the shy young Williams he knew at Wigan had the qualities to develop into a world-class leader on the pitch.
“He’s developed so much over the last few years as a leader, something that when he was 18 and coming into the side at Wigan I wasn’t sure whether he had those qualities,” Tomkins added.
“But it is something that I’ve seen in the last few years. He’s matured as a leader and I think he’ll go really well in the role for England, I couldn’t think of a better pick as captain in the game right now.
“He’s just the perfect man for the job.”
Tomkins is set to return to the Dragons’ starting 13 for Sunday’s trip to face Salford.
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