Leeds Rhinos back-rower Kallum Watkins answers England SOS after injury withdrawal
Leeds Rhinos veteran Kallum Watkins has been called up to England’s World Cup squad after Morgan Smithies was forced to withdraw through injury.
The 35-year-old is in line to feature in his fourth tournament, having represented England in 2013, 2017 and 2022.
Watkins famously broke clear in the tense 2017 final against Australia in Brisbane, only to be denied by a last-ditch ankle tap from Josh Dugan.
Now a back-rower, Watkins initially missed out when Brian McDermott named his squad, leaving the England head coach facing a difficult phone call to inform his former Rhinos captain he had been omitted.
However, McDermott has now delivered the rather more welcome news that Watkins is being called up as injury cover.
"It's really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training," said McDermott.
“Morgan has been great since we entered camp. He’s a real team player and his work ethic and toughness are qualities that we will certainly miss.
“Kallum enjoyed a terrific season with Leeds this year and has been part of our England Performance Programme building into this World Cup.
"I look forward to welcoming him into camp as we step up our preparations."
Watkins' call-up comes too soon for England's opening group clash with Tonga on Saturday but he will be available for the matches against France and Papua New Guinea.