Watkins replaces injured Smithies in England World Cup squad

England have called up Kallum Watkins for the Rugby League World Cup after Morgan Smithies withdrew through injury, BBC Sport reported on Wednesday. The Leeds Rhinos forward is expected to reach Perth before the opening match against Tonga, but he will not play in that game. He will instead be available for the remaining group fixtures against France and Papua New Guinea.

Love Rugby League reported that Smithies sustained a hamstring injury in training and that scans confirmed he would miss the tournament. His withdrawal adds to England’s absences in the forwards: the outlet said Matty Lees and Mike McMeeken were already unavailable, while Caleb Hamlin-Uele had withdrawn to undergo surgery. Smithies had not been included in the squad named to face Tonga.

Watkins, 35, brings 32 England appearances and experience from the 2013, 2017 and 2022 World Cups, according to the BBC. Originally a centre, he has moved into the forwards in recent years and now plays in the second row. Love Rugby League reported that he contributed to a Leeds campaign in which the club finished second in Super League.

England head coach Brian McDermott said Smithies had made a strong impression since joining camp, praising his commitment to the team, work rate and toughness. In comments carried by BBC Sport, McDermott also praised Watkins’ season at Leeds and noted that he had already been involved in England’s performance programme ahead of the tournament. The coach previously worked with Watkins at the Rhinos.

For the Tonga match, England have named Max King and Morgan Knowles in the front row, with Brad O’Neill at hooker, Love Rugby League reported. Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul and Victor Radley complete the starting pack. Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard and Sam Walters are among the replacements, alongside hooker Jez Litten, as England prepare to begin their group campaign without Smithies or Watkins in the matchday side.

The injury also comes before a planned club move for Smithies, who is set to join Perth Bears for the 2027 NRL season, BBC Sport reported. For Watkins, the late call-up puts a fourth World Cup appearance within reach, with his availability beginning after Saturday’s opener.