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Page last updated at 09:45 GMT, Wednesday, 20 October 2010 10:45 UK

Four Nations: Sam Tomkins is England fitness worry

Four Nations - New Zealand v England
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington Date: Sat, 23 October Kick-off: 0800 BST
Coverage: Live coverage on BBC One and BBC Sport website from 0730 BST, with live coverage on BBC 5 live sports extra from 0800

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Fielden and McNamara buoyed by 'upbeat' England

England stand-off Sam Tomkins is a fitness doubt for Saturday's opening Four Nations match against New Zealand at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

The 21-year-old was unable to play a full part in Wednesday's training after suffering a pelvic injury in the warm-up game against the New Zealand Maori.

Head coach Steve McNamara had initially said Tomkins was on the mend and would be surprised if he was not fit.

Winger Ryan Hall is also a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury.

The prospect of losing Tomkins would be another big loss for England, with New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney having picked him out as one of England's most dangerous players.

606: DEBATE

"He's a real threat for them," said Kearney. "He's a wonderful young player and very courageous."

McNamara was not too concerned about the fitness of Tomkins after the 18-18 draw on Saturday, saying: "If you see the tackle you can see that he fell awkwardly but it's nothing too serious or untoward and the medical staff will certainly look after him and make sure he is OK for the game on Saturday."

England captain Adrian Morley sustained an arm injury in the game, which put him out of the whole tournament.

Tomkins' Wigan team-mate Thomas Leuluai will start at hooker for New Zealand at the weekend, with Souths' Isaac Luke dropped to the bench.



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see also
Hooker Leuluai named in Kiwi side
20 Oct 10 |  Rugby League
Graham named as England captain
18 Oct 10 |  Rugby League
Hayne ruled out of Four Nations
18 Oct 10 |  Rugby League
Young England seek new leader
18 Oct 10 |  Rugby League
Morley ruled out of Four Nations
17 Oct 10 |  Rugby League
Minnows show potential
16 Oct 10 |  Rugby League
New Zealand Maori 18-18 England
16 Oct 10 |  Rugby League
Team spirit key to England glory
13 Oct 10 |  Rugby League


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