ENGLAND captain Sam Tomkins was full of praise for the performance of George Williams in their Rugby League World Cup thrashing of Samoa.

The Warrington Wolves half-back scored a late try and assisted three more as part of an impressive combination with St Helens’ Jack Welsby.

Having endured a difficult year with The Wire as they subsided to their lowest ever Super League finish of 11th, there were plenty of questions surrounding Williams’ selection with Salford Red Devils’ Marc Sneyd snapping at his heels.

However, having backed him to the hilt during the season, head coach Shaun Wane stuck with the man he coached for several years at Wigan Warriors and was rewarded as Williams played a key role in England’s emphatic 60-6 victory at St James’ Park.

> Five takeaways from England's thrashing of Samoa

“It was absolutely never in doubt that I would pick him,” Wane said.

“I know what he can do – I’ve known him since I was a kid.

“People like him and Micky McIlorum, when the heat’s on they turn up and perform. I knew George would perform.”

Tomkins echoed his coach’s sentiments, declaring himself to be Williams’ “biggest fan” and that he believes the Wire man to be Super League’s best player in his position.

“I thought there were a lot of players that, had they got man of the match, it wouldn’t have been a surprise,” he said.

“For me, I thought George Williams was outstanding.

“A lot of the good things he did were things people may not have noticed like the talk on the field, the way he got hold of the team.

“I’m George’s biggest fan and I think he’s brilliant when he’s on.

“He’s had a tough season with Warrington and this was the opportunity for George to come and show how good he is.

“I believe he’s the best half-back in our competition and he went a long way towards showing that today.”