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Watkins replaces injured Smithies in England’s World Cup squad
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Kallum Watkins, 35, has replaced injured Morgan Smithies in England’s Rugby League World Cup squad. He will miss Saturday’s opener against Tonga but be available for the group games against France and Papua New Guinea, BBC Sport reports. [1]
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Kallum Watkins has been called into England’s Rugby League World Cup squad after Morgan Smithies withdrew with an injury picked up in training, BBC Sport reports. [1]
Watkins, 35, is a Leeds Rhinos second-row forward and is set to play in his fourth World Cup, having appeared in 2013, 2017 and 2022. He has 32 England caps and has previously been coached by head coach Brian McDermott at Leeds. [1]
Watkins is expected to arrive in Perth before England’s opening match against Tonga on Saturday, scheduled for 10:05 BST, but will not play in that game. He will be available for the group matches against France and Papua New Guinea. [1]
McDermott said Smithies had been a committed team player whose work ethic and toughness would be missed. He added that Watkins had enjoyed a strong season with Leeds and had been part of England’s performance programme in preparation for the tournament. [1]
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