Watkins replaces injured Smithies in England squad

Key points

• Kallum Watkins has been called up to England's Rugby League World Cup squad as a late replacement for the injured Morgan Smithies.
• Watkins, 35, will join his fourth World Cup, having previously played in 2013, 2017 and 2022.
• Head coach Brian McDermott said Smithies' injury, sustained in training, is unfortunate and his toughness will be missed.

Kallum Watkins has been called up to England's Rugby League World Cup squad as a late replacement after Morgan Smithies withdrew because of an injury. Watkins, a 35-year-old Leeds Rhinos second-row forward, is set to take part in his fourth World Cup, having previously featured in 2013, 2017 and 2022.

Smithies, a lock and second-row forward who is set to join Perth Bears for the 2027 NRL season, picked up the injury in training. England head coach Brian McDermott said the loss is a blow, but he knows Watkins well from coaching him at Leeds.

What McDermott said

McDermott said, "It's really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training." He added that Smithies has been great since entering camp and that his work ethic and toughness will be missed.

The coach also said Watkins enjoyed a terrific season with Leeds this year and has been part of England's performance programme building into the World Cup. He said he looks forward to welcoming Watkins into camp as preparations step up.

It's really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training

— Brian McDermott

When Watkins will be available

Watkins, who has 32 caps, is set to arrive in Perth before England's World Cup opener against Tonga on Saturday at 10:05 BST, but he will not play in that match. He will be available for England's other group games against France and Papua New Guinea.

Watkins began his career as a centre and moved into the pack in recent years.