England have been dealt a significant blow on the eve of the Rugby League World Cup after industrious lock and second-row forward Morgan Smithies was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury. The setback comes at a crucial juncture for the national side as they put the final touches on their preparations in Australia ahead of their opening fixture.
Smithies, who is poised for a high-profile move to the Perth Bears, sustained the injury during a training session in camp, bringing an abrupt and unfortunate end to his World Cup ambitions. His absence leaves a noticeable void in the England pack, given his reputation for relentless defensive work rate, resilience, and physical presence on the field.
In response to the late setback, head coach Brian McDermott has moved quickly to bolster his squad by calling up experienced Leeds Rhinos forward Kallum Watkins. Watkins is set to board a flight to Australia to join up with the national team ahead of the weekend, though he will arrive too late to feature in Saturday’s tournament opener against Tonga.
The inclusion of the versatile 35-year-old brings a wealth of international experience back into the England setup. Watkins, who famously played in two of England’s three Ashes Test matches against Australia last year, has been a familiar face within the national setup for well over a decade. His selection rewards a terrific domestic campaign with the Leeds Rhinos and reflects his ongoing involvement in the England Performance Programme as the team built towards this World Cup campaign.
Head coach McDermott expressed his sympathy for the luckless Smithies while highlighting the attributes that Watkins will bring to the touring party as they navigate the challenges of a major international tournament.
Reflecting on the forced squad change, McDermott said: "It’s really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training. 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."
Turning his attention to the incoming veteran, McDermott added: "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’ journey in rugby league is decorated with milestone achievements and longevity at the highest level of the sport. Having initially burst onto the scene and enjoyed a glittering career primarily as a world-class centre, he has successfully transitioned into the forward pack in recent years. This positional shift has extended his career at the elite level and showcased his adaptability, intelligence, and high work rate. Furthermore, Watkins boasts a strong professional relationship with McDermott, having previously played under the head coach at club level during his initial, highly successful stint as a player at Headingley.
The addition of Watkins adds immense pedigree to the England squad, particularly when considering his extensive history on the international stage. Should he take to the field during the tournament, it will mark his fourth appearance at a Rugby League World Cup. His tournament pedigree runs deep, having previously represented his country on home soil during the 2013 and 2022 Rugby League World Cups. Additionally, he was a key figure in the squad that travelled Down Under in 2017, where England famously reached the tournament final before narrowly losing to Australia in a tense encounter in Brisbane.
While the loss of Smithies is undoubtedly a frustrating obstacle for McDermott and his coaching staff, the swift integration of a player of Watkins’ caliber provides vital stability and depth. England’s immediate focus remains locked on overcoming a formidable opening challenge against Tonga this weekend in Perth. As the squad finalizes its tactical game plan and adapts to the conditions in Australia, the collective resolve within the camp will be tested. With Watkins arriving to add his experience to the fold, England will look to channel their preparations into a strong start as they embark on their quest for World Cup glory.
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